The contiguous borders of the sixth and seventh, the seventh and eighth, and the eighth and ninth, costal cartilages articulate with each other by small smooth, oblong facets. Each articulation is enclosed in & thin capsular ligament,lined with synovial membrane and strengthened laterally and medially by interchondral ligaments, which pass from one cartilage to the other. Sometimes the fifth costal cartilages, more rarely the ninth, articulate by their lower borders with the adjoining cartilages by small, oval facets; more frequently the connection is by a few ligamentous fibers.

THE COSTOCHONDRAL JOINTS

The lateral end of each costal cartilage is received into a depression in the sternal end of the rib, and the two are enveloped by the periosteum.

Figure 522
Sternocostal and interchondral joints anterior view - Figure 522

 


Previous | Next