What is the bony structure that protects the heart and lungs?

What is the bony structure that protects the heart and lungs?

• A. Sternum
• B. Rib cage
• C. Pelvis
• D. Skull

Answer: (B)

The bony enclosure that shields the heart and lungs is the rib cage. It forms a curved framework around the thoracic cavity and is made up of the ribs, the sternum in the front, and the thoracic part of the spine in the back. This structure provides sturdy protection for the lungs and heart while still allowing breathing movements. The sternum is part of this protective system, but on its own it wouldn’t cover both organs the way the entire rib cage does. The pelvis protects abdominal-pelvic organs, and the skull protects the brain, so they’re not the correct structures for shielding the heart and lungs.

The bony enclosure that shields the heart and lungs is the rib cage. It forms a curved framework around the thoracic cavity and is made up of the ribs, the sternum in the front, and the thoracic part of the spine in the back. This structure provides sturdy protection for the lungs and heart while still allowing breathing movements. The sternum is part of this protective system, but on its own it wouldn’t cover both organs the way the entire rib cage does. The pelvis protects abdominal-pelvic organs, and the skull protects the brain, so they’re not the correct structures for shielding the heart and lungs.