Answer: Together, the sternum, ribs, and thoracic vertebrae form the bony thorax. This structure not only provides protection to vital organs but also supports the upper body and facilitates movements such as breathing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The bony thorax consists of several components that protect and support vital organs within the chest cavity. These components include:
1. Sternum: The sternum, commonly known as the breastbone, is a flat bone located in the center of the chest. It consists of three parts: the manubrium, the body, and the xiphoid process. The sternum provides structural support and serves as an attachment point for the ribs.
2. Ribs: There are twelve pairs of ribs in the human body, and they are attached to the thoracic vertebrae at the back. Ribs are long, curved bones that enclose the chest cavity and protect organs such as the heart and lungs. The upper seven pairs of ribs are called true ribs, as they are directly connected to the sternum by costal cartilage. The next three pairs are known as false ribs because their costal cartilage connects them indirectly to the sternum. The last two pairs of ribs are called floating ribs because they do not connect to the sternum at all.
3. Thoracic Vertebrae: The bony thorax includes the twelve thoracic vertebrae, which are located in the mid-back region. These vertebrae provide structural support for the ribs and play a crucial role in maintaining the overall stability of the bony thorax.