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Why do ribs have spaces between them? (lemmy.world)

submitted 1 year ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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Anyone who knows how a skeleton looks like knows that there are spaces between the ribs. However, why does it have gaps between them? Why isn't it a single shell?

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[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 year ago

The spaces between ribs provide flexibility and allow for expansion of the chest during breathing. This flexibility is crucial for the movement of the ribcage as it expands during inhalation and contracts during exhalation, enabling the lungs to fill with air. If the ribs were a closed shell, this movement would be restricted, making it difficult to breathe effectively.