Sternocostal joints

Study entry

Classification

1st: primary cartilaginous (synchondrosis). 2nd to 7th: synovial plane joints.

Surfaces

1st costal cartilage with the manubrium; 2nd to 7th costal cartilages with the sternum. The 1st rib joins the manubrium by a thin, dense plate of fibrocartilage strongly adherent. The others have fibrocartilaginous articular surfaces on both faces, chondral and sternal; the articular cavities are often missing.

Capsule

Weak capsules, thickened in front and behind into the radiate sternocostal ligaments, which continue as thin, wide bands from the cartilages to the anterior and posterior surfaces of the sternum, forming a «felt-like» covering; there is also an intra-articular ligament.

Movements

They allow the movement of breathing.

Blood supply

[CHECK: Moore does not describe it in the passages consulted (look in another source).]

Innervation

[CHECK: Moore does not describe it in the passages consulted (look in another source).]

Source: cap. 4, tabla 4-1 e «Articulaciones de la pared torácica»

Other structures in this region

• Joints of the heads of the ribs (costovertebral)
• Costotransverse joints
• Costochondral and interchondral joints
• Manubriosternal joint (symphysis)
• Xiphisternal joint (synchondrosis)