Costal is an adjective that pertains to or relates to the ribs, the chest, or the rib cage. It specifically refers to the areas of the body that are located near or alongside the ribs. The term originates from the Latin word "costalis," which means "of the ribs."
In the context of anatomy, costal is used to describe structures that are associated with or connected to the ribs. For example, the costal cartilage refers to the bars of hyaline cartilage that connect the bony ends of the ribs to the sternum, forming the front portion of the rib cage. Additionally, the costal margin refers to the lower boundary of the rib cage, formed by the lower edges of the ribs.
Moreover, costal can also be used to describe geographical features that are located along or near the coast or shoreline. It pertains to areas, landscapes, or habitats that are influenced by the proximity to the coast. For instance, a costal plain refers to a relatively flat and low-lying area adjacent to the sea or ocean.
In summary, the term costal primarily pertains to the ribs, the chest, or structures associated with the rib cage in the field of anatomy. It can also refer to geographical features or habitats that are influenced by their proximity to the coast.
