The eighth rib is located at the level of the subscapularis.
There are 12 pairs of ribs in the human body, of which the 1st to 7th ribs are true ribs and the 8th to 12th ribs are false ribs, of which the rib cartilage of the 8th to 10th ribs is connected with the previous rib cartilage to form the rib arch. The 1st to 10th ribs are palpable in the front and back of the chest, while the 11th to 12th ribs are palpable only in the back.
The eighth rib can be localized on the anterior chest by the position of the nipple. In males, the nipple is positioned flush with the fourth rib space. After locating the fourth rib space, count down to the eighth rib.
Posterior dorsal localization of the eighth rib can be accomplished by positioning the shoulder blades. This can be done in a seated position with the shoulders naturally slumped, where the lowest point of the scapulae on each side is aligned with the seventh rib space or the eighth rib.