BoneIrregular bone
Fourth costal cartilage
Latin: Cartilago costalis IV sinistra
Location: Thorax — anterior
Paired structure: one on the left and one on the right side of the body.
View the fourth costal cartilage in 3DFunction
Left fourth costal cartilage, near the heart's anterior surface; in men the nipple usually lies over the fourth intercostal space.
Landmarks
- Level of the nipple line
Articulations (joints)
- Fourth rib
- Sternum body
Clinical relevance
Pericardiocentesis is usually performed by the subxiphoid route or, under ultrasound, through the left fifth intercostal space near the apex.
Educational anatomy reference, not medical advice. About this content.