Changes

===Ribs===

===Ribs===

[[File:Dog ribs.JPG|Thumb|Left|150px|'''Canine ribs & Sternum''' - Kirill Tsukanov, Moscow State University, 12/04/12]]

[[File:Dog ribs.JPG|Thumb|Left|150px|'''Canine ribs & Sternum''' - Kirill Tsukanov, Moscow State University, 12/04/12]]

The ribs are paired structures that articulate with a corresponding thoracic vertebrae and also partially with the vertebrae directly caudal.  

The ribs are paired structures that articulate with a two ribs - the corresponding thoracic vertebrae and also partially with the vertebrae directly caudal. It is the caudal vertebrae that has the same numerical designation as the rib.  An individual rib is composed of a number of elements. Dorsally the rib has a tubercle, head and neck. The head of the rib is rounded with two facets, each of which represents the surface which articulates with the vertebral body. The area between the two facets is referred to as the ''crest'' and allows the attachment of the intercapital ligament. The tubercle of the dorsal rib can act as a further third articular facet in more caudal ribs with the transverse processes.

Ventrally the cartilaginous element of the rib articulates with the sternum (see section below) in nearly all ribs. The exception are the most caudal ribs in which the cartilaginous ventral element of the rib fails to make contact with the sternum and is referred to as a 'floating' rib.  

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />