How Do Ribs Move?
Ribs move in a complex way to facilitate breathing and upper body movement. The movement isn't uniform across all ribs; it varies depending on their location and the type of movement.
There are three main types of rib movement:
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Pump-handle movement: This is characteristic of the upper ribs (typically ribs 1-6). The anterior (front) end of the rib swings upward and outward during inhalation, increasing the vertical diameter of the chest cavity.
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Bucket-handle movement: The lower ribs (typically ribs 7-10) exhibit this movement. They move laterally (sideways) and upward, increasing the transverse diameter (side-to-side width) of the rib cage during inhalation.
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Caliper movement: The lowest ribs (typically ribs 11 and 12) have a caliper-like movement. The entire rib swings laterally during inhalation.
These movements work together to expand the chest cavity during inhalation, allowing air to fill the lungs. During exhalation, these movements are reversed, reducing the chest cavity's volume and expelling air.
Rib Movement and Injury
The movement of the ribs is crucial for breathing. Injuries, such as rib fractures or slipping rib syndrome, can disrupt this movement and cause pain.
- Rib fractures: A broken rib is extremely painful because the ribs move with each breath, cough, and upper body movement. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17434-rib-fracture-broken-rib
- Slipping rib syndrome: This condition occurs when one or more lower ribs move out of place, pressing on nerves and tissues, causing pain and inflammation. The hypermobility of the lower ribs is the root cause of this pain. https://www.ucsfhealth.org/medical-tests/slipping-rib-syndrome http://www.ribinjuryclinic.com/
It's important to note that bandages or belts are generally avoided after rib injuries to allow for proper rib movement during breathing and coughing. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000967.htm