BoneIrregular bone

Tenth costal cartilage

Latin: Cartilago costalis X sinistra

Location: Thorax — lowest

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

View the tenth costal cartilage in 3D

Function

The margin's last docked cartilage — below it the floating ribs swing free.

Landmarks

  • Free rounded tip

Articulations (joints)

  • Tenth rib
  • Costal margin's free end

Clinical relevance

The lowest point of the costal margin (10th costal cartilage) marks the subcostal plane at about L3.

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