CHAP. III.] 



SKELETON OF THE BEAD AND TRUNK. 



49 



§ 14. ITavIng considered the dorsal part of tbe axial skeleton — 

 the backbone — we may now proceed to consider that opposite, or 

 ventral structure, the breastkone, together with those parts (the ribs, 

 •with their cartilages), which connect the backbone and breastbone 

 together. The breastbone and ribs, with the dorsal vertebra), to 



Fis- 21.— Skeleton of the Thorax. 



c. End of xiplioid cartilage. 

 ca. One of tln' costal cartilages. 

 VI. StemebriC of body of sternum. 



r. Xiphoid process. 



2). rresteruum or manubrium. 



which the ribs are dorsally attached, together constitute the skeleton 

 of the thorax. The thoracic part of the axial skeleton thus forms a 

 sort of bony cage in which, during life, those most important organs, 

 the heart and lungs, are sheltered and protected. 



§ 15. The breastbone, or sternum, extends along the ventra 



