Rib Cage
The ribs and sternum protect the anterior heart. Here is a short article.
The thoracic Vertebrae connect the ribs to each other. There are 12 pairs of ribs. Each of the ribs are connected to a vertebrae. The ribs are flat bones that are flexible and springy. The ribs curve toward our sternum. That curve of our ribs forms our chest. The sternum only connects 22 ribs the other 2 are the bottom on each side. Those bones are called floating bones. The sternum, ribs, spine and xyphoid process together form the rib cage that protects the heart and other organs and provides support for our chest.
The Sternum
The sternum is a flat, dagger shaped bone located in the middle of the chest. Along with the ribs, the sternum forms the rib cage that protects the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels from damage.
The sternum is composed of three parts:
The manubrim, also called the "handle", is located at the top of the sternum and moves slightly. It is connected to the first two ribs.
The body, also called the "blade" or the "gladiolus", is located in the middle of the sternum and connects the third to seventh ribs directly and the eighth through tenth ribs indirectly.
The xiphoid process, also called the "tip", is located on the bottom of the sternum. It is often cartilaginous (cartilage), but does become bony in later years.
These three segments of bone are usually fused in adults.
The sternum serves an important function in the body. The ribs are connected to it by the costal cartilage. Without the sternum, there would be a hole in the bone structure in the middle of your chest, right above your heart and lungs. The sternum protects this vital area and completes the circle of the rib cage.
Dear ole,
The sternum and rib cage protects the heart in the front of the chest. The bone directly over the heart is called the manubrium sterni. You can find these answers and much more in any good anatomy textbook such as Gray's anatomy.