BoneIrregular bone

Seventh costal cartilage

Latin: Cartilago costalis VII sinistra

Location: Thorax — costal margin

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

View the seventh costal cartilage in 3D

Function

The keystone of the costal margin — where the cage's elastic lower rim reaches its lowest swing.

Landmarks

  • Costal margin apex

Articulations (joints)

  • Seventh rib
  • Sternum tip, joining ribs 8–10's cartilage

Clinical relevance

The infrasternal (subcostal) angle widens in chronic lung hyperinflation (barrel chest).

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