Rib 8 (left) — false rib

Function

First of the false ribs: its cartilage climbs to join the seventh's, so it still shares the costal margin while adding cage elasticity.

Landmarks

• Costal groove
• Angle

Articulations (joints)

• T7–T8 vertebrae
• Cartilage of rib 7 (indirect sternal link)

Clinical relevance

The eighth to tenth ribs protect the spleen (left) and liver (right) — fractures below imply abdominal as well as thoracic injury.