The scientific name for the ribs is costae, which is Latin for "ribs." The ribs are long, curved bones that form the rib cage, which is part of the axial skeleton.
The rib cage is a vital part of the skeletal system, protecting the heart and lungs. It also plays a role in breathing, as the ribs expand and contract to allow air to enter and leave the lungs.
There are 12 pairs of ribs in a typical human thoracic cage. The first seven pairs of ribs are called "true ribs" because they are directly attached to the sternum. The next three pairs of ribs are called "false ribs" because they are attached to the sternum indirectly via costal cartilage. The final two pairs of ribs are called "floating ribs" because they are not attached to the sternum at all.
