Rib Cage

skeleton · organs · protection

Protects your heart. Your rib cage acts like a suit of armor for your heart, lungs, and major blood vessels. Without it, these fragile organs would be exposed and easily damaged.

Made of multiple bones. Your rib cage is built from 12 pairs of ribs that curve around your chest, your vertebral column (backbone), and your sternum (breastbone). All these bones work together like the framework of a building.

Helps you breathe. Your rib cage isn't just protective, it's active too. Your ribs move up and down when you breathe, making space for your lungs to expand and contract.

Found in vertebrates. Rib cages aren't unique to humans. Most vertebrates like mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish have some form of rib cage to protect their organs.

Supports your shoulders. Your rib cage is connected to your shoulder girdle, which gives your arms and shoulders a strong foundation to work from and move around.