Costochondral joints
Articulationes costochondrales
Definition
The costochondral joint is a synchondrosis between the rib and its costal cartilage. It is the union between the bony portion of a rib and its distal cartilaginous extension, called the costal cartilage.
This joint has no synovial cavity and marks a clear morphological transition because the costal cartilage is thinner than the bony portion.
The costal cartilages slope cranially at the costochondral joint, particularly at the level of the first and twelfth pairs of ribs.
References
Evans HE, de Lahunta A. Miller’s Anatomy of the Dog. 5th ed. St. Louis: Elsevier; 2013. Chapter 4, The skeleton; p. 80–157.
