Humans have four floating ribs.
These ribs, specifically the 11th and 12th ribs on each side of the body, are called "floating" because they only attach to the vertebrae in the back and not to the sternum (breastbone) or the costal cartilage of other ribs. This differs from the other rib pairs which connect directly or indirectly to the sternum.
Understanding Floating Ribs
- Location: The 11th and 12th ribs on each side of the rib cage are classified as floating ribs.
- Attachment: Unlike the true ribs (1-7) and false ribs (8-10), floating ribs lack a connection to the sternum. They are only attached posteriorly to the thoracic vertebrae.
- Function: While not directly connected to the sternum, they still offer protection to vital organs in the lower thoracic cavity and upper abdomen, including the kidneys. They also contribute to overall structural support.
Several sources confirm this number:
- Medical News Today states that ribs 11 and 12 are floating ribs, connecting only to the thoracic vertebrae.
- Verywell Health mentions four floating ribs in the context of slipping rib syndrome.
- Homework.Study.com explicitly answers the question with four floating ribs (two pairs).
- Multiple other sources corroborate this information.
While variations exist in the human anatomy, the standard number of floating ribs remains four.
