Bones forming the protective cage around the vital organs of extinct reptilian giants are curved skeletal elements. These structures provided support and facilitated respiration in these ancient creatures. They articulated with the vertebrae of the spinal column and, in many cases, with the sternum, creating a strong but flexible thoracic cavity.
Fossilized remains of these skeletal components offer valuable insights into dinosaur physiology, biomechanics, and evolutionary relationships. The size, shape, and number of these bones can provide clues about an animal’s body size, posture, and breathing mechanisms. Their study contributes to a broader understanding of the Mesozoic Era and the ecological roles these animals played.
