Costochondral joint (junction)

Articular surfaces

The costochondral joint is a connection between a rib and its costal cartilage.

On the thoracic wall, it occurs where the bone ends and cartilage begins.

The joint is formed by two articular surfaces; the roughened cup-shaped anterior end of the rib and the rounded lateral end of the costal cartilage.

Joint capsule and ligaments

These joints have no joint capsule, cavity or ligaments. The periosteum of the rib is continuous  the perichondrium of the costal cartilage, binding the bone and cartilage together.

Innervation 

The costochondral joints are supplied by branches of the intercostal nerves, which are the anterior rami of the thoracic spinal nerves.

The following quiz test you on the most important nerves of the thoracic wall.

Blood supply

Arterial supply to the costochondral joints is by branches of the anterior intercostal arteries. Venous drainage of these joints is by the corresponding anterior intercostal veins.

Movements

The costochondral articulations themselves are immobile joints that do not permit movement. However, the costal cartilages provide a flexible attachment for the anterior ends of the ribs to the sternum and may undergo slight bending and twisting movements that facilitate widening of the thoracic diameters during breathing.

Muscles acting at the costochondral joint (junction)

Given the fact that this joint is immobile, no muscles have a direct action on the joint. The costochondral joints, however, provide surfaces of attachment for the anterior muscle fibers and aponeurosis of the intercostal muscles.