The costal margin, also known as the costal arch,[1] is the lower edge of the chest (thorax) formed by the bottom edge of the rib cage.
| Costal margin | |
|---|---|
 Anterior surface of sternum and costal cartilages. (The costal margin forms a large upside-down V on the inferior border.) | |
| Details | |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | arcus costalis |
| TA98 | A02.3.04.006 |
| TA2 | 1101 |
| FMA | 7569 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
Structure
editThe costal margin is the medial margin formed by the cartilages of the seventh to tenth ribs. It attaches to the body and xiphoid process of the sternum.[2]
The thoracic diaphragm attaches to the costal margin.[3]
The costal angle is the angle between the left and right costal margins where they join the sternum.[2]
Function
editThe costal margins somewhat protect the higher abdominal organs, such as the liver.[4][5]
Clinical significance
editThe costal margin may be used for tissue harvesting of cartilage for use elsewhere in the body, such as to treat microtia.[4]
Different abdominal organs may be palpated just below the costal margin, such as the liver on the right side of the body.[5]
Pain across the costal margin is most commonly caused by costochondritis.[6]
The costal paradox, also known as Hoover's sign and the costal margin paradox, is a sign where the costal angle decreases upon inspiration rather than increasing, indicating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.[2]
References
edit- ^ Talucci, R. C.; Webb, W. R. (March 1983). "Costal chondritis: the costal arch". The Annals of Thoracic Surgery. 35 (3): 318–321. doi:10.1016/s0003-4975(10)61566-4. ISSN 0003-4975. PMID 6830368.
- ^ a b c McGee, Steven (2018-01-01), McGee, Steven (ed.), "Chapter 33 - Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease", Evidence-Based Physical Diagnosis (Fourth Edition), Philadelphia: Elsevier, pp. 285–290.e2, ISBN 978-0-323-39276-1, retrieved 2021-01-04
- ^ Mack, Savannah M.; Wu, Ching-Wen; Zhang, Chuanzhen; Richard Harding; Pinkerton, Kent E. (2020-01-01), "Lung Anatomy and Aging☆", Reference Module in Biomedical Sciences, Elsevier, ISBN 978-0-12-801238-3, retrieved 2021-01-04
- ^ a b Szpalski, C.; McRae, M.; Rogers, G. F.; Bumgardner, J. D.; Warren, S. M. (2011-01-01), Ducheyne, Paul (ed.), "6.621 - Biomaterials and Their Application in Craniomaxillofacial Surgery", Comprehensive Biomaterials, Oxford: Elsevier, pp. 325–341, ISBN 978-0-08-055294-1, retrieved 2021-01-04
- ^ a b McGee, Steven (2018-01-01), McGee, Steven (ed.), "Chapter 51 - Palpation and Percussion of the Abdomen", Evidence-Based Physical Diagnosis (Fourth Edition), Philadelphia: Elsevier, pp. 433–444.e4, ISBN 978-0-323-39276-1, retrieved 2021-01-04
- ^ Suresh, Santhanam; McClain, Brenda C.; Tarbell, Sally (2008-01-01), Benzon, Honorio T.; Rathmell, James P.; Wu, Christopher L.; Turk, Dennis C. (eds.), "Chapter 16 - Chronic Pain Management in Children", Raj's Practical Management of Pain (Fourth Edition), Philadelphia: Mosby, pp. 343–365, ISBN 978-0-323-04184-3, retrieved 2021-01-04
External links
edit- Anatomy figure: 35:01-03 at Human Anatomy Online, SUNY Downstate Medical Center—"Bony landmarks of the abdomen"
- Atlas image: abdo_wall60 at the University of Michigan Health System