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Multiple Choice

Bucket handle ribs are which numbers and what is their principal motion?

The motion pattern called bucket-handle describes how the lower ribs move during inspiration. These ribs—typically the lower set, around the sixth through tenth—lift the lateral portions of the rib cage outward. That outward rotation increases the transverse diameter of the chest, much like a bucket handle swinging outward when a bucket is lifted. The movement is driven by the rib joints and intercostal muscles elevating the ribs laterally. By contrast, the upper ribs (first through fifth) mainly perform a pump-handle action, increasing the anterior-posterior diameter by lifting the front of the chest toward the sternum. The floating ribs (eleventh and twelfth) contribute minimally and have caliper-like motion.

The motion pattern called bucket-handle describes how the lower ribs move during inspiration. These ribs—typically the lower set, around the sixth through tenth—lift the lateral portions of the rib cage outward. That outward rotation increases the transverse diameter of the chest, much like a bucket handle swinging outward when a bucket is lifted. The movement is driven by the rib joints and intercostal muscles elevating the ribs laterally.

By contrast, the upper ribs (first through fifth) mainly perform a pump-handle action, increasing the anterior-posterior diameter by lifting the front of the chest toward the sternum. The floating ribs (eleventh and twelfth) contribute minimally and have caliper-like motion.