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Rib
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<p>In <a href="/facts/Vertebrate/tT54FSTT">vertebrate</a> <a href="/facts/Anatomy/p8TCWJuV">anatomy</a>, ribs are the long curved <a href="/facts/Bone/kwJaR6IQ">bones</a> which form the <a href="/facts/Rib_cage/KzXLlujq">rib cage</a>, part of the <a href="/facts/Axial_skeleton/mNCwdBkw">axial skeleton</a>. In most <a href="/facts/Tetrapod/vWpAxzAW">tetrapods</a>, ribs surround the <a href="/facts/Thoracic_cavity/4N5W74rF">thoracic cavity</a>, enabling the lungs to expand and thus facilitate <a href="/facts/Breathing/92Wov2gk">breathing</a> by expanding the thoracic cavity. They serve to protect the <a href="/facts/Lung/gTWXI6Fj">lungs</a>, <a href="/facts/Heart/fF4KSGdk">heart</a>, and other <a href="/facts/Vital_organ/FUYsLaxz">vital organs</a> of the thorax. In some animals, especially <a href="/facts/Snake/YhA2gcn0">snakes</a>, ribs may provide support and protection for the entire body. </p>