What is the sternocostal articulations?

Gray’s Anatomy (1918) describes the sternocostal articulations as follows: The articulations of the cartilages of the true ribs with the sternum are arthrodial joints, with the exception of the first, in which the cartilage is directly united with the sternum, and which is, therefore, a synarthrodial articulation.

What it is

  • The articulations of the cartilages of the true ribs with the sternum are arthrodial joints, with the exception of the first, in which the cartilage is directly united with the sternum, and which is, therefore, a synarthrodial articulation. The ligaments connecting them are: The Articular Capsules. The Interarticular Sternocostal. The Radiate Sternocostal. The Costoxiphoid. The Articular Capsules ( capsulæ articulares; capsular ligaments ).
  • —The articular capsules surround the joints between the cartilages of the true ribs and the sternum. They are very thin, intimately blended with the radiate sternocostal ligaments, and strengthened at the upper and lower parts of the articulations by a few fibers, which connect the cartilages to the side of the sternum.

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Last verified: 2026-07-18

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