Which components make up the thoracic cage?

Which components make up the thoracic cage?

• A. Sternum, Ribs, Costal Cartilages, Thoracic Vertebrae
• B. Clavicles and Scapulae
• C. Pelvis
• D. Hyoid Bone

Answer: (A)

The thoracic cage is made up of the sternum at the front, the ribs around the sides and back, the costal cartilages that connect the ribs to the sternum, and the thoracic vertebrae at the rear. The sternum and vertebrae form the rigid frame, while the costal cartilages give the cage some flexibility so the chest can expand with breathing. This combination encloses and protects the heart and lungs and supports respiration. Structures like the clavicles and scapulae belong to the shoulder girdle, the pelvis is part of the lower skeleton, and the hyoid bone sits in the neck; they do not form the thoracic cage. So, the components that make up the thoracic cage are the sternum, ribs, costal cartilages, and thoracic vertebrae.

The thoracic cage is made up of the sternum at the front, the ribs around the sides and back, the costal cartilages that connect the ribs to the sternum, and the thoracic vertebrae at the rear. The sternum and vertebrae form the rigid frame, while the costal cartilages give the cage some flexibility so the chest can expand with breathing. This combination encloses and protects the heart and lungs and supports respiration. Structures like the clavicles and scapulae belong to the shoulder girdle, the pelvis is part of the lower skeleton, and the hyoid bone sits in the neck; they do not form the thoracic cage. So, the components that make up the thoracic cage are the sternum, ribs, costal cartilages, and thoracic vertebrae.