Ribs Quiz
Questions: 16 · 10 minutes
1. During deep inspiration, a patient’s upper ribs elevate in a pump-handle movement. Which thoracic dimension increases most directly?
The vertical dimension only
The thickness of the sternum
The anteroposterior dimension
The diameter of the vertebral canal
2. Which sternocostal joint is a primary cartilaginous joint rather than a synovial joint?
The first sternocostal joint
The second sternocostal joint
The fifth sternocostal joint
The seventh sternocostal joint
3. The lower ribs move laterally in a bucket-handle pattern during inspiration. What is the main result?
The sternum moves inferiorly toward the abdomen
The thoracic cavity becomes shorter vertically
The costal cartilages become rigid and immobile
The transverse diameter of the thorax increases
4. The head of a typical rib usually articulates with which vertebral structures?
The transverse processes of two neighboring vertebrae
Only the body of the vertebra immediately below it
The spinous process of the corresponding vertebra
The bodies of the corresponding vertebra and the vertebra above
5. Where is the costal groove of a typical rib located?
Along the inferior internal surface of the shaft
Along the superior external surface of the shaft
Across the anterior end of the costal cartilage
Between the head and the neck of the rib
6. Within the main intercostal neurovascular bundle, what is the usual superior-to-inferior order of the structures?
Artery, nerve, vein
Vein, artery, nerve
Nerve, vein, artery
Vein, nerve, artery
7. A clinician palpates the sternal angle to begin counting ribs. Which costal cartilage articulates at this landmark?
The second costal cartilage
The third costal cartilage
The first costal cartilage
The seventh costal cartilage
8. A clinician must pass a needle through an intercostal space while reducing the chance of injuring the main intercostal neurovascular bundle. Where should the needle pass relative to the rib forming the lower boundary of that space?
Just superior to the rib’s upper border
Directly through the rib’s costal groove
Immediately inferior to the rib’s lower border
Through the rib’s angle
9. What type of joint normally connects a rib to its costal cartilage?
A hinge-type synovial joint
A fibrous suture
A primary cartilaginous joint, or synchondrosis
A secondary cartilaginous joint, or symphysis
10. Why should direct pressure over the xiphoid process be avoided during chest compressions?
It can separate the clavicle from the manubrium
It may fracture or displace the xiphoid and injure underlying structures
It prevents movement at the sternal angle
It can dislocate the first rib from the sternum
11. What are the three main parts of the sternum, from superior to inferior?
Body, manubrium, and xiphoid process
Manubrium, body, and xiphoid process
Xiphoid process, body, and manubrium
Manubrium, xiphoid process, and body
12. How many pairs of ribs are normally present in the human thoracic cage?
11 pairs
10 pairs
12 pairs
14 pairs
13. A student is asked to identify the first rib among several bones. Which feature is most characteristic of it?
A long, narrow shaft with a pronounced costal groove
No head, neck, or vertebral articulation
A broad, flattened surface with grooves separated by the scalene tubercle
A free anterior tip with no costal cartilage
14. Which ribs are classified as true ribs because their costal cartilages attach directly to the sternum?
Ribs 1-5
Ribs 11-12
Ribs 8-10
Ribs 1-7
15. Which ribs are commonly called floating ribs?
Ribs 1 and 2
Ribs 11 and 12
Ribs 7 and 8
Ribs 8, 9, and 10
16. During examination of a typical rib, which feature would articulate with the transverse process of a thoracic vertebra?
The angle of the rib
The costal groove
The sternal end
The articular facet on the tubercle