Which rib is associated with the sternal angle?

Which rib is associated with the sternal angle?

• A. Second rib
• B. First rib
• C. Third rib
• D. Fifth rib

Answer: (A)

The sternal angle is a palpable ridge at the junction of the manubrium and the body of the sternum, and it aligns with the level of the second costal cartilage where the second rib articulates with the sternum. Because of this alignment, the rib associated with the sternal angle is the second rib. This landmark also helps you locate the second intercostal space and, nearby, important features like where the trachea bifurcates and where the aortic arch begins, but the key point for identifying the rib is that the second rib attaches at the sternal angle. The first rib sits higher near the jugular notch, while the third and fifth ribs lie below this level, so they don’t correspond to the sternal angle.

The sternal angle is a palpable ridge at the junction of the manubrium and the body of the sternum, and it aligns with the level of the second costal cartilage where the second rib articulates with the sternum. Because of this alignment, the rib associated with the sternal angle is the second rib. This landmark also helps you locate the second intercostal space and, nearby, important features like where the trachea bifurcates and where the aortic arch begins, but the key point for identifying the rib is that the second rib attaches at the sternal angle. The first rib sits higher near the jugular notch, while the third and fifth ribs lie below this level, so they don’t correspond to the sternal angle.