Head of rib
A central rib of the left side. Inferior aspect. (Head visible at upper right.)
A central rib of the left side, viewed from behind. (Head visible at upper right.)
Latin	caput costae
Gray's	subject #28 124

The head of the rib is the end of a rib closest to the vertebral column, with which it articulates with.

It is marked by a kidney-shaped articular surface, divided by a horizontal crest into two facets for articulation with the depression formed on the bodies of two adjacent thoracic vertebrae; the upper facet is the smaller; to the crest is attached the interarticular ligament.

[edit] See also

• Articulation of head of rib

[edit] Additional images

Peculiar ribs.

This article was originally based on an entry from a public domain edition of Gray's Anatomy. As such, some of the information contained within it may be outdated.

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