Ribs- head

Medial view

Superior view

The head of the rib is functionally important because this is where the it articulates with the superior demifacet of the vertebra it is numbered for and the inferior demifacet of the vertebra superior to it. For example, rib 5 articulates with thoracic vertebra 5 at its superior demifacet and with thoracic vertebra 4 at its inferior demifacet.

Last Updated: 11/12/24