Bones of thorax

The bones of the thorax (thoracic cage), include the sternum, ribs, and the accessory bones of thorax

• The sternum is a flat bone located at the center of the chest and consists of three parts: the manubrium, body, and xiphoid process.

• The ribs are twelve pairs of curved bones that form the lateral aspects of the thoracic cage, with each rib articulating posteriorly with the thoracic vertebrae and most connecting anteriorly to the sternum via costal cartilages.

• The accessory bones of thorax include the suprasternal bones and supernumerary ribs.

Some authors include the thoracic vertebrae in the bones of thorax. They are twelve vertebrae (T1-T12) that form the posterior boundary of the thoracic cage and provide attachment points for the ribs.