Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment
What major organ is protected by the rib cage?
Liver
Heart
Kidneys
Stomach
The correct answer is: Heart
The heart is the major organ protected by the rib cage due to its location in the thoracic cavity. The rib cage consists of the ribs, sternum, and thoracic vertebrae, forming a protective structure around vital organs in the chest, particularly the heart and lungs. This bony framework serves to safeguard these crucial organs from physical trauma and helps maintain their position within the thorax, ensuring they can function effectively. While the liver, kidneys, and stomach are important organs, they are primarily located in different areas of the body not shielded by the rib cage. The liver is situated in the upper right abdomen, the kidneys are located in the lower back area, and the stomach resides in the upper abdomen, all of which do not have the same level of protection from the rib cage as the heart does within the chest.