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Superior surface

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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The superior surface of the first rib forms part of the anterolateral margin of the root of the neck:

  • approximately half way along its length, at the point of maximal curvature, are a series grooves perpendicular to the axis of rotation:
    • most posteriorly is the groove for subclavian artery; this also houses the first thoracic nerve at its point of junction with C8 to form the lowest trunk of the brachial plexus
    • posterior to groove for the subclavian artery is the broad attachment for the fibres of scalenus medius
    • anterior to the groove on the medial surface is the scalene tubercle; scalenus anterior is attached to this landmark
    • anterior to the tubercle is the groove for the subclavian vein; the subclavian vein lies more fully in contact with the first rib than the subclavian artery
  • the lateral margin in the anterior third of the superior shaft surface provides an origin for serratus anterior
  • the pleural membrane lies against the medial margin of the upper surface anterior to the neck
  • the junction of costal cartilage with bone provides an attachment point for:
    • costoclavicular ligament
    • subclavius

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