The ribs are attached to the thoracic vertebrae at the back of the body. There are 12 pairs of ribs, each corresponding to a thoracic vertebra. The head of the rib is the part closest to the vertebra and articulates with it.
The way the ribs attach to the sternum (breastbone) at the front of the body determines their classification:
- True Ribs (1-7): These ribs attach directly to the sternum via costal cartilages, which are flexible connective tissues.
- False Ribs (8-10): These ribs do not connect directly to the sternum. Their costal cartilages are connected to the costal cartilage of the rib above them.
- Floating Ribs (11-12): These ribs are the shortest and have no connection to the sternum. They are only attached to the vertebrae.
While the costovertebral joints connect the ribs to the vertebrae, ligaments play a significant role in stabilizing these attachments, such as the costotransverse ligament.
The rib cage protects vital organs like the heart and lungs and contributes to breathing mechanics.
