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Test Your Knowledge of Thorax Bones & Landmarks

Ready to master thoracic landmarks? Start the bones of the thorax quiz now!

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Landung BaskoroUpdated Aug 28, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration of rib cage bones and landmarks on golden yellow background promoting free thorax anatomy quiz

Use this thorax anatomy quiz to practice naming every rib, the sternum (manubrium, body, xiphoid), and key landmarks like the sternal angle, jugular notch, costal margin, and intercostal spaces. Build fast recall and spot gaps before an exam or lab. When you're done, try more thorax practice for a tougher round.

How many true ribs are there in the human thorax?
5 pairs
12 pairs
7 pairs
8 pairs
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Which ribs are called floating ribs?
Ribs 11 and 12
Ribs 9 and 10
Ribs 7 and 8
Ribs 1 and 2
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The sternal angle aligns with which costal cartilage at the sternum?
2nd costal cartilage
3rd costal cartilage
5th costal cartilage
1st costal cartilage
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The sternum consists of which three main parts?
Scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum
Base, apex, process
Manubrium, body, xiphoid process
Head, neck, shaft
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The costal groove is typically found on which border of a rib?
Posterior superior border
Superior external border
Anterior external border
Inferior internal border
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A typical rib has which main bony landmarks along its length?
Acromion, coracoid, spine
Trochanter, condyle, epicondyle
Head, neck, tubercle, angle, shaft
Head, fovea capitis, linea aspera
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The sternal angle lies at the level of the T4/T5 intervertebral disc.
False
True
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A typical rib's head articulates with the bodies of its corresponding vertebra and the one above.
False
True
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The costotransverse joint is between the rib head and the transverse process of the vertebra.
False
True
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The manubriosternal joint is typically a secondary cartilaginous joint (symphysis).
False
True
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Which rib is typically the longest?
12th rib
1st rib
5th rib
7th rib
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The superior thoracic aperture (thoracic inlet) is bounded anteriorly by the manubrium's superior border, laterally by the first ribs, and posteriorly by T1.
True
False
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The inferior thoracic aperture is closed by the pelvic diaphragm.
False
True
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Which ribs typically have demifacets on the vertebral bodies for head articulation?
Ribs 2 to 9
Ribs 1 and 2 only
Ribs 7 to 12
Ribs 10 to 12
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Which structure attaches to the crest between the superior and inferior articular facets of a typical rib head?
Radiate ligament of head of rib
Intra-articular ligament of the head of rib
Costotransverse ligament
Superior costotransverse ligament
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Which plane is commonly associated with the sternal angle in surface anatomy?
Transverse thoracic plane
Subcostal plane
Median sagittal plane
Midclavicular plane
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Which ligament fans out from the head of a rib to the margins of the corresponding vertebral body and the one above?
Radiate ligament of head of rib
Superior costotransverse ligament
Lateral costotransverse ligament
Intra-articular ligament of head of rib
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Ribs 11 and 12 usually have costotransverse joints similar to typical ribs.
True
False
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Which landmark on the sternum marks the inferior limit of the central part of the thoracic cavity?
Sternal angle
Xiphisternal joint
Jugular notch
Clavicular notch
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The body of the sternum is longer in males on average, with similar shape between sexes.
True
False
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Rib Structures -

    Understand the names and positions of all 12 pairs of ribs to accurately answer rib cage anatomy quiz questions.

  2. Recall Sternum Anatomy -

    Describe the manubrium, body, and xiphoid process and distinguish their roles within the bones of the thorax.

  3. Differentiate Rib Categories -

    Classify true, false, and floating ribs based on their attachments and anatomical landmarks in the thorax.

  4. Locate Key Thoracic Landmarks -

    Pinpoint and explain the significance of landmarks such as the sternal angle, costal margin, and thoracic inlet.

  5. Apply Knowledge in Clinical Contexts -

    Use your comprehension of thoracic landmarks and rib anatomy to solve practical scenarios and prepare for exams.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Rib Classification and Numbering -

    Ribs 1 - 7 are "true" (direct sternal attachments), ribs 8 - 10 are "false" (attach via shared costal cartilage), and ribs 11 - 12 are "floating" (no anterior attachment). Use the mnemonic "True at Seven, False at Ten, Floating at Twelve" to recall this quickly. (Source: Gray's Anatomy, University of Michigan Anatomy Dept.)

  2. Sternal Anatomy and Angle of Louis -

    The sternum comprises the manubrium, body, and xiphoid process; the sternal angle (Angle of Louis) marks the junction of manubrium and body. This landmark corresponds to the second rib's attachment and the T4 - T5 vertebral level, vital for rib counting in the thorax anatomy quiz. (Source: NIH MedlinePlus, Stanford Med Ed.)

  3. Costovertebral and Costotransverse Joints -

    Each rib head articulates with the superior and inferior demifacets of two adjacent thoracic vertebral bodies, while the tubercle meets the transverse process. Remember "head to bodies, tubercle to transverse" to solidify these rib cage anatomy quiz concepts. (Source: Journal of Anatomy, University College London.)

  4. Thoracic Vertebrae Landmarks -

    Thoracic vertebrae feature long, downward”sloping spinous processes and paired demifacets on their bodies for rib articulation. Identify T1 by its full superior costal facet and T10 - T12 by single facets; this aids in mapping thoracic landmarks accurately. (Source: TeachMeAnatomy, American Association of Clinical Anatomists.)

  5. Surface Landmarks and Clinical Relevance -

    Key surface lines include the midsternal, midclavicular, and anterior axillary lines; the 5th intercostal space at the anterior axillary line is ideal for chest tube insertion. Visualizing these landmarks bridges academic knowledge with real”world procedures in obstetrics and trauma care. (Source: American College of Surgeons, BMJ Open.)

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