BoneFlat bone
Rib 11 (left) — floating rib
Costa XI sinistra
- Location:
- Posterior lower thorax
Function
A short floating rib with no anterior attachment — its free tip moves independently, cushioning the kidney behind the abdominal wall muscles.
Landmarks
- Single facet
- Free anterior tip
- Short slender shaft
Articulations (joints)
- T11 vertebral body only
Clinical relevance
Eleventh and twelfth rib fractures puncture the kidney, adrenal and spleen; their tenderness lies deep to the back muscles.
Educational anatomy reference, not medical advice. About this content.