Ribcage (noun)

The bony structure in the upper chest that encases and protects the heart and lungs.

Origin:

Late 16th century: from rib (sense 1 of the noun) + -cage.

Examples:

1. The ribcage protects the vital organs in the chest.
2. The doctor listened to the patient's heartbeat using a stethoscope on the ribcage.
3. The ribcage expanded as the patient inhaled deeply.
4. The patient complained of pain in the ribcage after a fall.
5. The x-ray showed a fracture in the ribcage of the patient.