BoneIrregular bone

Second costal cartilage

Latin: Cartilago costalis II sinistra

Location: Thorax — anterior

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

View the second costal cartilage in 3D

Function

Marks the palpable sternal angle — the rib-counting milestone and the anterior pleural reflection line.

Landmarks

  • Junction forms the sternal angle

Articulations (joints)

  • Second rib
  • Sternum at the sternal angle

Clinical relevance

Pain at the second costochondral junction after cardiothoracic massage is common in resuscitation survivors.

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