The sternum does not articulate with the distal end of the first rib, but some distance up the rib on its medial edge. On this whole I removed the rib + attached sternum & carefully cut away the adhering flesh + sinews, (see photo) consequently being able to take measurements, etc with accuracy. The sternum articulates with its first rib on its inside edge, 230 mil. from the distal end of its rib. The space between the side edge of the rib + the arm of the sternum, which is filled with cartilage like that between the phalanges on the pectoral, is 59 mil. The ligaments near edge running allow of little more movement up & down, but considerably back + parts, or outward & inward. The bottom point of the sternum is 183 mil. from its distal end of rib (inside edge). The center of the rounded top edge of sternum is 370 mil. from inside edge of rib – The distal ends of its two ribs, articulated to the sternum, would, by estimate, stand 180 mil. apart (on side edges) Length of sternum (cleaned) 4 1/5th inches Width " " 4 00 " Length bottom point 6 8 " " " top " 190 " Breadth arms (distant) 1 10