eleventh (11th) rib
Last reviewed 01/2018
The eleventh rib is categorised as one of the 'floating' ribs. It articulates posteriorly with the eleventh thoracic vertebra. Anteriorly, its free end is ensheathed within muscle and does not articulate with the sternum.
It is atypical in that:
- the head only has one articular facet
- it has a very short neck
- there is no tubercle
However, it maintains a tubercle and costal groove.