BoneIrregular bone

Sixth costal cartilage

Latin: Cartilago costalis VI sinistra

Location: Thorax — lower anterior

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

View the sixth costal cartilage in 3D

Function

Left costal-margin mason — its cartilage merges upward and downward, forming the mobile rim over stomach and spleen.

Landmarks

  • Upper costal margin

Articulations (joints)

  • Sixth rib
  • Sternum and the chondral union with rib 7

Clinical relevance

The spleen lies beneath the left 9th–11th ribs posterolaterally; left-sided costal pain after trauma warrants splenic imaging.

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