Twelfth costal cartilage
Cartilago costalis
SkeletalSkeletonAbdomenLeft and right
View left in 3D View right in 3D
- What it is
- Bar of hyaline cartilage continuing the twelfth rib (a short free tip).
- Function
- Gives the rib cage the elasticity it needs for breathing and to absorb blows.
- Size
- ≈ 1 cm long
- Clinical note
- Costal cartilage often calcifies with age, stiffening the chest wall; inflammation of the costochondral joints (costochondritis) mimics heart pain.