Illustration copyright 2000 by Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.nucleusinc.com
The rib cage consists of 24 ribs (2 sets of 12), which are attached to a long, flat bone in the center of the chest called the sternum. The ribs are connected to the sternum with a strong, somewhat flexible material called cartilage.
The rib cage help protects the organs in the chest, such as the heart and lungs, from damage.
| By | Healthwise Staff |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Howard Schaff, MD - Diagnostic Radiology |
| Last Revised | July 13, 2010 |
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