What causes a pulmonary embolism? Blood clots can form for a variety of reasons. Pulmonary embolisms are most often caused by deep vein thrombosis, a condition in which blood clots form in veins deep in the body. The blood clots that most often cause pulmonary embolisms begin in the legs or pelvis.
All ribs are attached posteriorly to the thoracic vertebrae. The neck of the rib is the flattened part that extends laterally from the head. The neck is about 3 cm long, and is placed in front of the transverse process of the lower of the two vertebrae with which the head articulates.
Ribs make a protective cage around your lungs, liver and heart. There are usually 12 pairs of ribs, each pair attached to the spine at the back. Each rib is attached to the ribs above and below it by muscles and ligaments.1  At the front of the body the top 7 ribs are attached to the sternum (or breast bone).here are usually 12 pairs of ribs, each pair attached to the spine at the back. Each rib is attached to the ribs above and below it by muscles and ligaments. 1  At the front of the body the top 7 ribs are attached to the sternum (or breast bone).