Pronunciation: [ɹˈɪbke͡ɪd͡ʒ] (IPA) 
The word ribcage is spelled with three syllables: /ˈrɪb.keɪdʒ/. It begins with the consonant cluster /rb/, followed by the short vowel sound /ɪ/ and the consonant cluster /bk/. The final syllable ends with the voiced consonant /dʒ/. This word refers to the structure in the human body that protects the lungs and heart. It is important to spell this word correctly as it is commonly used in medical terminology and anatomy.
The ribcage is defined as the bony formation in the chest region that encloses and protects the internal organs, particularly the heart and the lungs, in humans and some animals. It consists of a series of curved bones called ribs that are attached to the thoracic vertebrae of the spinal column at the back and the sternum (breastbone) at the front. The ribcage plays a vital role in providing structural support to the upper body and safeguarding the delicate organs within.
In humans, the ribcage is composed of twelve pairs of ribs, with the top seven pairs known as "true ribs" as they are directly connected to the sternum by cartilages called costal cartilages. The remaining five pairs, called "false ribs," do not directly connect to the sternum but rather join the ribcage through the cartilage of the last true rib. The last two pairs are known as "floating ribs" as they are not attached to the sternum or any other bone.
The ribcage is crucial for respiration, as it expands and contracts during breathing. When inhaling, the ribcage expands outwards, increasing the volume of the chest cavity and allowing the lungs to fill with air. Conversely, during exhalation, the ribcage contracts, reducing the volume and aiding in the expulsion of carbon dioxide.
The word "ribcage" is composed of two parts: "rib" and "cage".
The term "rib" originated from the Old English word "ribb", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "rebjo" or "rebjon". This word has cognates in other Germanic languages, such as Old Norse "rebr" and German "rippe". The Proto-Germanic term likely has its roots in the Indo-European root "*rebh-", meaning "arch" or "bowed". This root is also related to words such as "roof" and "reef".
The word "cage" comes from the Old French term "cage" or "gage", which referred to an enclosure or a set of bars, derived from the Latin word "cavea".
