Expansion
Ribs 1, 2, 10, 11 and 12 are atypical
Expansion
Atypical ribs are 1, 2, 10, 11 and 12, the ones at each end of the series:
- Rib 1 - short, broad and flat, with a single facet, a scalene tubercle and grooves for the subclavian vessels
- Rib 2 - thin like a typical rib but longer, with a tuberosity for serratus anterior
- Rib 10 - a single facet on its head
- Ribs 11 and 12 - single facet, no neck, no tubercle, no angle, and no anterior attachment
Everything between, ribs 3 to 9, follows the typical pattern. Remembering the ends are the odd ones out is easier than memorising five separate descriptions.