Second rib

The second rib is longer, thinner and less curved than the first rib. The head of the second rib has 2 facets for articulation with the vertebral bodies of T1 and T2. It can be divided into superior and inferior surfaces:

• the superior surface:
  • slightly concave
  • more of an external angulation than first rib
  • unlike first rib, tubercle and angle are separate
  • has tuberosity for the attachment of serratus anterior at the lateral margin in the posterior third of the shaft
  • posterior to serratus anterior tubercle are attachment points for, sequentially:
    • scalenus posterior
    • serratus posterior superior
    • levator costae
  • along the medial aspect from the tubercle anteriorly, there is the point of attachment for the intercostal muscles
• ligamentous attachments:
  • lateral costotransverse ligament to the tubercle
  • superior costotransverse ligament to the inner margin of the neck
• inferior surface:
  • reciprocal slight inwards rotation opposite to superior surface
  • poorly formed costal groove anterior to the angle
  • from tubercle anteriorly, there are attachment sites for:
    • pleura, at the innermost margin
    • intercostal muscles at the outer margin