RIB CAGE Meaning and
Definition
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The rib cage refers to the bony structure found in the thoracic region of vertebrates, particularly mammals, that protects the internal organs of the chest. It is essentially a framework composed of several pairs of curved bones called ribs, which are connected to the vertebral column at the back and the sternum or breastbone at the front.
A typical rib is a long, thin bone that curves outward and downward as it extends from the spine to the front of the chest. The ribs attach to the vertebrae using joints which allow for slight movement during breathing and other activities. Together, the ribs form a semi-rigid enclosure around vital organs, including the heart and lungs. These organs benefit from the protective nature of the rib cage, shielding them from potential physical trauma or injury.
In humans, the rib cage consists of twelve pairs of ribs, with the first seven pairs known as true ribs as they directly attach to the sternum, while the remaining five pairs are called false ribs, as they either attach indirectly or do not attach to the sternum at all. The rib cage plays a crucial role in respiration, providing stability and protection while also allowing flexibility for lung expansion during inhalation and exhalation.
Common Misspellings for RIB CAGE
- eib cage
- dib cage
- fib cage
- tib cage
- 5ib cage
- 4ib cage
- rub cage
- rjb cage
- rkb cage
- rob cage
- r9b cage
- r8b cage
- riv cage
- rin cage
- rih cage
- rig cage
- rib xage
- rib vage
- rib fage
- ribcage
Etymology of RIB CAGE
The word "rib cage" is derived from combining two separate words: "rib" and "cage".
The term "rib" comes from the Old English word "ribb", which ultimately traces back to the Proto-Germanic word "rebjo". The Proto-Germanic word "rebjo" has cognates in other Germanic languages such as Old Norse "refr" and Old High German "rembi", which all refer to "rib". Before these Germanic forms, the reconstructed Proto-Indo-European root "reb(h)-" signified the concept of a "rib".
On the other hand, the word "cage" comes from the Old French term "cage", which means "a cage or enclosure to confine or protect something".
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