Ribs are the collective term used to describe set of 12 bones that encloses the thoracic region. They combine with the vertebral column in the posterior side and in the anterior side they emerge as costal cartilage. Totally there are 12 pairs of ribs. True ribs or costae verae is the first 7 sets which are attached with the sternum directly. Among these except for the first pair all of them are curved and the first set assumes “C” shape.
The next is the set of 5 ribs known as false ribs, out of which 3 pairs have common connection with the sternum and the last 2 pairs have separate connection with the vertebrae. The length of first 7 pairs grows in size and the last 5 pairs decreases lengthwise. As one grows, all the ribs would take up oblique shape. Thoracic diaphragm separates the rib case from the abdomen.
Function :
Ribs does the function of offering support to the internal cartilages, help in breathing by facilitating movement of the ribcage in coordination with the chest expansion and finally they offer protection for vital organs like heart, lungs and kidneys. Direct blow or injury on the chest region is the main cause of broken ribs. Broken rib is also called as fractured rib in which one or more of the bones of the ribcage get cracked or fractured.
In severe cases, the loose end of broken ribs can pierce the muscles and blood vessels of lungs or even heart. Sometimes even the cartilages can get broken inside the ribcage. Broken ribs can cause varying degree of pain. Mild form of broken ribs would often heal without any treatment. Surgery is limited only for serious cases in which internal organs are affected.
Consequences of broken Ribs :
If one or more ribs get broken, it can cause breathing problem. The available space inside the chest gets constricted and the lungs may not be able to contract and expand freely as before. In some cases, the loosened end of the broken ribs can pierce the muscles of lungs or even blood vessels of the aorta causing complications. The lungs can get punctured leading to pneumothorax. In rare cases the last 2 pairs of ribs can get broken to cause potential complications to liver, kidneys and spleen.