BoneIrregular bone

First costal cartilage

Latin: Cartilago costalis I sinistra

Location: Thorax — anterior

Paired structure: one on the left and one on the right side of the body.

View the first costal cartilage in 3D

Function

The elastic link that welds the first rib almost rigidly to the manubrium, holding the thoracic inlet's shape while allowing micromotion with each breath.

Landmarks

  • Short, broad, nearly horizontal

Articulations (joints)

  • First rib
  • Manubrium

Clinical relevance

Costochondritis and Tietze syndrome inflame costal cartilages, mimicking cardiac chest pain; the first is usually spared.

Educational anatomy reference, not medical advice. About this content.