second rib

Last reviewed 01/2018

The second rib is longer, thinner and less curved than the first rib. The head of the second rib has 2 facets for articulation with the vertebral bodies of T1 and T2. It can be divided into superior and inferior surfaces:

• the superior surface:
• slightly concave
• more of an external angulation than first rib
• unlike first rib, tubercle and angle are separate
• has tuberosity for the attachment of serratus anterior at the lateral margin in the posterior third of the shaft
• posterior to serratus anterior tubercle are attachment points for, sequentially:
• scalenus posterior
• serratus posterior superior
• levator costae
• along the medial aspect from the tubercle anteriorly, there is the point of attachment for the intercostal muscles
• ligamentous attachments:
• lateral costotransverse ligament to the tubercle
• superior costotransverse ligament to the inner margin of the neck
• inferior surface:
• reciprocal slight inwards rotation opposite to superior surface
• poorly formed costal groove anterior to the angle
• from tubercle anteriorly, there are attachment sites for:
• pleura, at the innermost margin
• intercostal muscles at the outer margin