Term
Ribcage
Meaning
The ribcage is the bony chest of twelve rib pairs, the sternum and the thoracic vertebrae, per OpenStax Anatomy and Physiology. It is also called the thoracic cage, with cartilages joining the ribs to the sternum. Artists simplify it as one egg-shaped or slightly tapering mass that is deeper from front to back than beginners expect. It matters because it tilts and twists against the pelvis, which creates most torso movement. In a quick sketch it is a single block, not individual bones. See also: Pelvis, Clavicle, Mannequin and the guide "Skeleton Landmarks Every Figure Artist Should Know".