American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) Practice Exam

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What does the term "costal margin" refer to in surface anatomy?

  1. The top of the head

  2. The connection of the sternum and clavicle

  3. The lowest portion of the anterior ribs

  4. The area of the jawbone

The correct answer is: The lowest portion of the anterior ribs

The term "costal margin" refers to the lowest portion of the anterior ribs. It represents the lower edge formed by the costal cartilages of the ribs as they attach to the sternum. This anatomical feature is important for understanding various medical assessments and physical examinations, as it can help identify the limit of the rib cage and serves as a landmark for various procedures. When discussing anatomical terminology, each of the other options refers to different parts of the body that do not relate to the costal margin. The top of the head, the connection of the sternum and clavicle, and the area of the jawbone are distinct anatomical regions and do not involve the rib structure, making them irrelevant to the definition of the costal margin. Recognizing these distinctions is essential in surface anatomy to avoid confusion in clinical settings.