Costal notches
Incisurae costales
Definition
The costal notches are the indentations between the sternebrae, which house the costal cartilages. There is usually one pair of notches between each sternebrae. However, towards the end of the sternum, this alternation is less regular and two notches may be found side by side.
Variation:
In dogs and cats, the costal notches for the 8th and 9th ribs are not separated by a sternebra.
References
Barone R. Anatomie comparée des mammifères domestiques, Tome 1, Ostéologie, 5th edition, Vigot, Paris, 2017.
Constantinescu GM, Schaller O. Illustrated veterinary anatomical nomenclature, 3rd Edition, Enke Verlag, Stuttgart, 2012.
