The sternocostal joints, also known as sternochondral joints or costosternal articulations, are
synovial plane joint
A plane joint (arthrodial joint, gliding joint, plane articulation) is a synovial joint which, under physiological conditions, allows only gliding movement.
Plane joints permit sliding movements in the plane of articular surfaces. The opposed sur ...
s of the
costal cartilages of the
true ribs with the
sternum.
The only exception is the
first rib
The rib cage, as an enclosure that comprises the ribs, vertebral column and sternum in the thorax of most vertebrates, protects vital organs such as the heart, lungs and great vessels.
The sternum, together known as the thoracic cage, is a ...
, which has a
synchondrosis joint since the
cartilage
Cartilage is a resilient and smooth type of connective tissue. In tetrapods, it covers and protects the ends of long bones at the joints as articular cartilage, and is a structural component of many body parts including the rib cage, the neck ...
is directly united with the sternum.
The sternocostal joints are important for
thoracic wall mobility.
The ligaments connecting them are:
*
Articular capsules
In anatomy, a joint capsule or articular capsule is an envelope surrounding a synovial joint.Interarticular sternocostal ligament
The Intraarticular sternocostal ligament is a horizontal fibrocartilaginous plate in the center of the second sternocostal joint. It connects the tip of the costal cartilage to the fibrous junction between the manubrium and the body of the sternu ...
*
Radiate sternocostal ligaments
*
Costoxiphoid ligaments
Clinical significance
Ankylosis,
joint stiffness caused by
ossification
Ossification (also called osteogenesis or bone mineralization) in bone remodeling is the process of laying down new bone material by cells named osteoblasts. It is synonymous with bone tissue formation. There are two processes resulting in ...
, may occur at the sternocostal joints.
See also
*
Costochondritis
References
External links
Joints
Thorax (human anatomy)
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