Yes, ribs have joints. They connect to the spine and the breastbone (sternum) through various types of joints.
- Costovertebral Joints: These are the joints between the ribs and the vertebrae of the spine. Each rib forms two costovertebral joints with the vertebrae.
- Costosternal Joints: These joints connect the ribs to the breastbone. The first seven ribs are considered "true ribs" and connect directly to the sternum via costal cartilages.
- False Ribs: The eighth, ninth, and tenth ribs are called "false ribs" because they don't attach directly to the sternum. Instead, they are connected by costal cartilages to the rib above them.
- Floating Ribs: The last two ribs (11th and 12th) are called "floating ribs" because they don't attach to the sternum or other ribs, and they are only connected to the vertebrae.
These joints allow the rib cage to expand and contract during breathing and other activities.
