Rib 12 (left) — floating rib

Function

The shortest rib — a mere splinter of bone anchoring the quadratus lumborum, latissimus dorsi and diaphragm over the kidney.

Landmarks

• Single facet
• Very short shaft

Articulations (joints)

• T12 vertebral body only

Clinical relevance

A hypoplastic twelfth rib can be congenitally absent; kidney surgeons use it as the landmark for the lumbotomy incision.