The ribs are connected to the sternum by cartilage. thick elastic tissue This connection is called costochondral junction, the union of bone and cartilage Costochondritis is pain and pain in the chest area. Most people get better and the pain goes away in a few days. It may disappear on its own. One of the types of rib cartilage Caused by swelling of the cartilage is Tietze's syndrome. It can occur anywhere in the chest but most often on the left side.