BoneIrregular bone

Third costal cartilage

Latin: Cartilago costalis III sinistra

Location: Thorax — anterior

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

View the third costal cartilage in 3D

Function

Left upper anterior cage's elastic connector, letting the rib cage swell with lung and heart motion.

Landmarks

  • Slopes toward the sternum

Articulations (joints)

  • Third rib
  • Sternum body

Clinical relevance

Tietze syndrome most often swells the second or third costochondral junction with visible enlargement.

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