Bone
Typical rib
Curved flat bone of the thorax
High-yield
The intercostal vein, artery, and nerve (VAN) run in the costal groove along the inferior rib border — the safe zone for chest drains is above a rib.
Overview
A curved flat bone of the thoracic cage; ribs 3–9 are typical, with a head, neck, tubercle, and body enclosing a costal groove for the neurovascular bundle.
Reference facts
- Bone type
Flat
- Key landmarks
Head; Neck; Tubercle; Angle; Body (shaft); Costal groove
- Articulations
Thoracic vertebrae (costovertebral and costotransverse joints); Costal cartilage → sternum
Clinical correlation
Insert a chest tube just superior to a rib to avoid the intercostal neurovascular bundle in the costal groove.