Superior surface
The superior surface of the first rib forms part of the anterolateral margin of the root of the neck:
- approximately half way along its length, at the point of maximal curvature, are a series grooves perpendicular to the axis of rotation:
- most posteriorly is the groove for subclavian artery; this also houses the first thoracic nerve at its point of junction with C8 to form the lowest trunk of the brachial plexus
- posterior to groove for the subclavian artery is the broad attachment for the fibres of scalenus medius
- anterior to the groove on the medial surface is the scalene tubercle; scalenus anterior is attached to this landmark
- anterior to the tubercle is the groove for the subclavian vein; the subclavian vein lies more fully in contact with the first rib than the subclavian artery
- the lateral margin in the anterior third of the superior shaft surface provides an origin for serratus anterior
- the pleural membrane lies against the medial margin of the upper surface anterior to the neck
- the junction of costal cartilage with bone provides an attachment point for:
- costoclavicular ligament
- subclavius
Create an account to add page annotations
Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.