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Second rib

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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The second rib is longer, thinner and less curved than the first rib. The head of the second rib has 2 facets for articulation with the vertebral bodies of T1 and T2. It can be divided into superior and inferior surfaces:

  • the superior surface:
    • slightly concave
    • more of an external angulation than first rib
    • unlike first rib, tubercle and angle are separate
    • has tuberosity for the attachment of serratus anterior at the lateral margin in the posterior third of the shaft
    • posterior to serratus anterior tubercle are attachment points for, sequentially:
      • scalenus posterior
      • serratus posterior superior
      • levator costae
    • along the medial aspect from the tubercle anteriorly, there is the point of attachment for the intercostal muscles
  • ligamentous attachments:
    • lateral costotransverse ligament to the tubercle
    • superior costotransverse ligament to the inner margin of the neck
  • inferior surface:
    • reciprocal slight inwards rotation opposite to superior surface
    • poorly formed costal groove anterior to the angle
    • from tubercle anteriorly, there are attachment sites for:
      • pleura, at the innermost margin
      • intercostal muscles at the outer margin

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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