neck of rib

collum costae

The neck of the rib is the flattened portion which extends lateralward from the head; it is about 2.5 cm. long, and is placed in front of the transverse process of the lower of the two vertebrC& with which the head articulates. Its anterior surface is flat and smooth, its posterior rough for the attachment of the ligament of the neck, and perforated by numerous foramina. Of its two borders the superior presents a rough crest (crista colli costE) for the attachment of the anterior costotransverse ligament; its inferior border is rounded. On the posterior surface at the junction of the neck and body, and nearer the lower than the upper border, is an eminencebthe tubercle; it consists of an articular and a non-articular portion. The articular portion, the lower and more medial of the two, presents a small, oval surface for articulation with the end of the transverse process of the lower of the two vertebrC& to which the head is connected. The non-articular portion is a rough elevation, and affords attachment to the ligament of the tubercle. The tubercle is much more prominent in the upper than in the lower ribs.

Type Bone
Parent Structure neck of bone element
Latin Name collum costae
FMA ID 7576

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the neck of a rib?
The neck of a rib is the flattened portion of the rib that connects the head to the shaft (body) of the rib. It is approximately 2.5 cm in length and passes laterally from the head at an angle.
What are the surfaces of the neck of the rib?
The neck of the rib has an anterior surface that is flat and smooth, and a posterior surface that is rough due to the attachment of the posterior costotransverse ligament. Its upper border (crest) is sharp, and the lower border is rounded.
What attaches to the neck of the rib?
The posterior costotransverse ligament attaches to the rough posterior surface of the neck of the rib, connecting it to the transverse process of the corresponding thoracic vertebra. This is an important stabilizing ligament of the costovertebral joint complex.
How does the neck of the rib relate to the costotransverse joint?
The neck of the rib lies adjacent to the transverse process and participates in the costovertebral joint complex. The tubercle of the rib (at the junction of the neck and shaft) articulates with the transverse process at the costotransverse joint.
What passes anterior to the neck of the first rib?
The anterior surface of the neck of the first rib provides passage or proximity to important structures including the superior intercostal artery, the first posterior intercostal vein, and the sympathetic trunk lying on the neck of the first rib.

Related Structures

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Educational Disclaimer

This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical decisions.

Data sources: Terminologia Anatomica, Foundational Model of Anatomy, Wikidata.