Costicartilage

/ˌkɒstɪkɑːˈtɪlɪdʒ/ noun

Definition

The cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone, also called costal cartilage.

Etymology

From Latin 'costa' (rib) plus 'cartilago' (cartilage). Medical terminology combining anatomical terms to precisely name the connective tissue structure.

Kelly Says

These small cartilage connections are why you can bend and twist—without them, your ribs would be rigidly fused to your sternum and you'd barely be able to breathe deeply.

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