What it means
The upper seven pairs join the breastbone directly (true ribs), the next three join it through cartilage, and the last two do not join it at all (floating ribs). The spaces between ribs, the intercostal spaces, are used as landmarks when listening to the heart and lungs. Broken ribs make breathing painful.
For the nurse
Clients with broken ribs tend to take shallow breaths, which can lead to pneumonia: give pain relief and coach deep breathing.
At a glance
| Spanish | costilla |
|---|---|
| Also written | ribs |
Related terms
auscultation
Listening to the sounds inside the body, usually with a stethoscope.
stern/o
A word part that means the sternum, the breastbone.