The Articulations of the Heads of the Ribs (costocentral articulations) constitute a series of gliding or arthrodial joints, and are formed by the articulation of the heads of the typical ribs with the facets on the contiguous margins of the bodies of the thoracic vertebræ and with the intervertebral fibrocartilages between them; the first, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth ribs each articulate with a single vertebra.

The ligaments of the joints are:

• Articular capsule
• Radiate ligament
  Radiate ligament
  The radiate ligament connects the anterior part of the head of each rib with the side of the bodies of two vertebræ, and the intervertebral fibrocartilage between them....
  
  
• Interarticular ligament
  Interarticular ligament
  The intra-articular ligament of head of rib is situated in the interior of the articulation of head of rib....