Humans have five pairs of false ribs.
Understanding True and False Ribs
The human rib cage comprises 12 pairs of ribs. These are categorized as true ribs and false ribs based on their connection to the sternum (breastbone).
- True ribs (pairs 1-7): These ribs attach directly to the sternum via their own costal cartilage.
- False ribs (pairs 8-12): These ribs do not connect directly to the sternum. Rib pairs 8-10 connect indirectly to the sternum through the costal cartilage of the 7th rib. Rib pairs 11 and 12 are called floating ribs because they lack any sternal attachment.
Therefore, there are five pairs of ribs (ribs 8 through 12) classified as false ribs.
This classification is based on anatomical structure and how the ribs connect to the sternum. The term "false" simply refers to this indirect or absent connection, not implying any functional deficiency.
References supporting this answer include:
- Medical News Today: Ribs 8–10 are known as false ribs. These do not connect to the sternum individually. Instead, costal cartilage anchors them to the ribs above.
- Byjus.com: There are 12 pairs of ribs in the human chest... 8-12 rib pairs are called false ribs.
- Brainly.com: The true ribs are those from 1-7, and the false ribs are those from 8-12.
