“May all be happy, may all be healed, may all be at peace and may no one ever suffer."
Ribs are a set of long, curved bones that form the ribcage and protect the chest cavity. There are 12 pairs of ribs in the human body, each of which attaches to the spine at the back and to the breastbone (sternum) in the front. The ribs also provide attachment points for the muscles that control breathing and support the chest and upper body.
The upper seven pairs of ribs are called true ribs because they attach directly to the sternum via a strip of cartilage called the costal cartilage. The next three pairs of ribs are called false ribs because they attach to the sternum indirectly through the cartilage of the rib above. The last two pairs of ribs are called floating ribs because they do not attach to the sternum at all.
Injuries to the ribs can be very painful and can occur due to trauma, such as a fall or a car accident. Common symptoms of a rib injury can include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty breathing deeply. Treatment for a rib injury may involve pain management, rest, ice, and sometimes a brace or compression garment to help support the injured area. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair a broken or dislocated rib.
It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect a rib injury, as it can lead to serious complications such as punctured lungs or damage to other organs in the chest cavity.