There are two bones in a pair of false ribs.
Here's a breakdown of ribs and the false ribs:
In humans, ribs are bony structures that protect vital organs within the chest cavity. They are arranged in pairs, one on each side of the body, extending from the spine to the front of the chest.
- Total Ribs: Humans typically have 12 pairs of ribs, totaling 24 individual ribs.
- True Ribs: The first 7 pairs are called "true ribs" (or vertebrosternal ribs) because they directly attach to the sternum (breastbone) via their costal cartilage.
- False Ribs: The next 3 pairs (8th, 9th, and 10th) are called "false ribs" (or vertebrochondral ribs). These ribs do not directly connect to the sternum. Instead, their costal cartilage joins the cartilage of the 7th rib, which then connects to the sternum. Therefore, though they don't have a direct attachment, they still articulate with the sternum indirectly.
- Floating Ribs: The last two pairs (11th and 12th) are called "floating ribs" (or vertebral ribs). These ribs only connect to the vertebrae in the back; they do not attach to the sternum or any other cartilage in the front of the chest.
Since the question asks about a pair of false ribs, and each rib exists on either side of the body, a pair contains two ribs.
