Corpus: 2nd rib

The 2nd rib is a strongly curved rib located at the upper end of the thorax. It follows the 1st rib and, like it, belongs to the true ribs.

The 2nd rib is thinner and significantly longer than the 1st rib. Unlike it, the head of the 2nd rib has two articular surfaces. One surface articulates with the first thoracic vertebra, and the other with the second thoracic vertebra, separated by the crest of the head of the rib.

The neck of the rib is narrow, with a bony tubercle known as the costal tubercle on its outer edge. This tubercle has a small articular facet that connects to the corresponding facet on the transverse process of the second thoracic vertebra.

The body of the second rib is not twisted, allowing it to lie flat on a surface. The external surface is convex and oriented upward and outward. Approximately in the middle of the body, there is a larger roughened area called the tuberosity of the serratus anterior muscle, where parts of the first and the entire second prong of the serratus anterior muscle originate. The posterior scalene muscle also attaches slightly further towards the back (dorsally).

The internal surface of the body of the rib is smooth and directed downward and inward. In the posterior portion, there is a short costal groove along the lower edge of the rib, which houses the intercostal nerves and vessels.