The fifth rib in the human body is usually located one horizontal finger down from the nipple.
The location of the fifth rib can usually be determined by looking for the clavicle, the rib below the clavicle is the second rib, counting down the ribs along the second rib, and counting to the fifth rib one horizontal finger down from the nipple, thus determining the location of the fifth rib.
The ribs are found on either side of the body’s thoracic cavity and serve to protect the thoracic organs. Rib fractures of the 5th rib are relatively common. Simple fractures can be treated conservatively with immobilization in the form of a girdle or multiple headbands. Pneumothorax and hemothorax also require closed chest drainage surgery.