Definition

1. Noun:
   • The cartilage that connects the sternum and the ends of the ribs: "Costal cartilage" refers to the flexible, connective tissue forming the anterior portion of each rib, attaching it to the sternum (breastbone).
   • A structural component of the thoracic cage: It is a key part of the rib cage, providing elasticity and allowing for chest movement during respiration.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The surgeon examined the patient's fractured costal cartilage. (The surgeon examined the patient's fractured costal cartilage.)
  • The elasticity of the costal cartilage is essential for breathing. (The elasticity of the costal cartilage is essential for breathing.)
  • In some skeletal disorders, the costal cartilage may become calcified. (In some skeletal disorders, the costal cartilage may become calcified.)

Advanced Usage

• "Costal cartilage grafts": Pieces of costal cartilage used in reconstructive surgery, often for the nose or ear.
  • The surgeon used a costal cartilage graft to rebuild the patient's nasal structure.
• "Costochondritis": A medical condition involving inflammation of the costal cartilage, often causing chest pain.
  • Her chest pain was diagnosed as costochondritis, an inflammation of the costal cartilage.

Variants and Related Words

• Cartilage (n): The general term for the firm, flexible connective tissue found in various parts of the body, such as joints and the rib cage.
• Sternum (n): The breastbone, to which the costal cartilages attach.
• Rib (n): One of the curved bones forming the chest wall, connected posteriorly to the spine and anteriorly via the costal cartilage.

Synonyms

• Rib cartilage: A direct synonym describing the same anatomical structure.
• Costal arch: A term sometimes used to refer to the collective structure formed by the lower costal cartilages.

Related Phrases

• Costal margin: The lower edge of the rib cage formed by the costal cartilages of the 7th to 10th ribs.
  • The liver is located just below the right costal margin.
• Sternal articulation: The joint where the costal cartilage meets the sternum.
  • The sternal articulation allows for slight movement during respiration.

Noun

1. the cartilages that connect the sternum and the ends of the ribs; its elasticity allows the chest to move in respiration