What body structure protects the lungs from outside harm?

The lungs are protected by a strong cage of bones on both sides of the body. This is the rib cage which supports the shoulder girdle to form the core of the human skeleton. One thing about the ribs, unlike other bones of the body, is that when one or more is fractured, they can't be set in hospital. they have to repair naturally over time, and this is painful.

Each rib is curved and they become more open as they get to the bottom of the cage. They are designed to keep outside impact from the lungs. The rib cage is shaped in a cone shape and it is more flexible than most sets of bones. It, is made up of the thoracic vertebra, 12 equally paired ribs, costal cartilage, and all of this is held together at the back by the sternum.