Anatomy study note · Thorax

First rib

A short, broad rib flattened from above downward. It is clinically important because the subclavian vessels and the lower trunk of the brachial plexus cross its upper surface.

Key points

• Vein in front of scalenus anterior; artery + lower trunk behind it.
• Head articulates with T1 only.
• Fixed to the manubrium; immobile in breathing.
• Thoracic outlet syndrome → C8–T1 symptoms + vascular compression.
• Ribs: costal processes of the sclerotomes.
• 1st rib–sternum: synarthrosis.
• Bone: type I collagen + hydroxyapatite.

The full note in the atlas also covers

Features · Articulations · Histology · Development · Clinical notes

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Written from

• Snell’s Clinical Anatomy by Regions, 10th ed., ch. 4, PDF pp. 482–483, 490–492
• Inderbir Singh’s Human Embryology, ch. 10, PDF pp. 138, 140
• BRS Cell Biology & Histology, 7th ed., ch. 7, PDF pp. 121–125, 130, 131

More from the thorax

• Heart
• Intercostal arteries
• Intercostal muscles
• Intercostal nerves
• Internal thoracic artery
• Internal thoracic vein
• Interventricular septum
• Joints of the ribs
• Left atrium
• Left coronary artery
• Left ventricle
• Levatores costarum

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