Videos
Quizzes
Both
Costal margin
/images/vimeo_thumbnails/258836992/x1qS6Z7OApoFw21YF61Sw_overlay.jpg)
:watermark(/images/watermark_only_413.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url_sm.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/arcus-costalis/Bs0D05cRin8a39uWFBbcA_Costal_Margin_1.png "Costal margin (Arcus costalis); Image: Irina Münstermann"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only_413.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url_sm.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/costal-margin/aYfzQ3TRc3zw3D9ofsT4Q_Costal_Margin_2.png "Costal margin (Arcus costalis); Image: Irina Münstermann"){kind=logo}
:watermark(/images/watermark_only_413.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url_sm.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/cartilagines-costales-vii-xii/RZ4YycM4zDzeKJpq2kIeA_Costal_cartilages_7-12_01.png "Costal cartilages of 7th-10th ribs (Cartilagines costales costarum 7-10); Image: Yousun Koh"){kind=logo}
The costal margin is a cartilaginous arch formed by the medial margins of the cartilages of ribs 7-10. The costal margin forms an arch that begins posteroinferiorly at the 10th costal cartilage and extends in an anterosuperior direction, terminating at the costal cartilage of rib 7, where it attaches to the body of sternum. At this point of attachment the subcostal angle is formed.
The costal margin forms the lower margin of the thoracic wall. It functions to protect higher abdominal organs such as the liver as the greater part of the liver lies just below the right costal margin. The costal margin also acts as one of the attachment points for the diaphragm.
In individuals with a low body fat percentage it is possible to palpate and locate the costal margin.
| Terminology | English: Costal margin Latin: Arcus costalis Synonym: Costal arch |
| Structure | Cartilaginous arch formed by medial margins of costal cartilages of ribs 7-10 |
Test your knowledge about the main muscles of the thoracic wall with this interactive quiz.
Explore the structures which contribute to the formation of the costal margin with the study unit below.
:format(jpeg)/images/study_unit/the-ribs/momSEI3ISVKpvkVABKadRA_ribs.png)
Costal margin: want to learn more about it?
Our engaging videos, interactive quizzes, in-depth articles and HD atlas are here to get you top results faster.
What do you prefer to learn with?
“I would honestly say that Kenhub cut my study time in half.”
–
Read more.
Kim Bengochea, Regis University, Denver
