The cartilage that connects the ribs to the sternum is called costal cartilage. This cartilage is primarily made up of hyaline cartilage, which provides both flexibility and strength. Costal cartilage allows the ribs to be connected to the sternum in a way that ensures stability while still allowing for the expansion and contraction of the ribcage during breathing.
Each pair of ribs articulates with the sternum via its own section of costal cartilage, which helps to form the rib cage around the thoracic cavity. The flexibility of the costal cartilage is particularly important during activities such as deep breathing, where the chest needs to expand significantly. Overall, costal cartilage plays a crucial role in both the structural integrity of the chest and the functionality of the respiratory system.