There are three types of ribs in the human body.
The human rib cage consists of 12 pairs of ribs that protect vital organs and aid in respiration. These 24 ribs are categorized based on their connection to the sternum (breastbone):
Types of Ribs:
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True Ribs (Vertebrosternal): Ribs 1-7 are considered true ribs. These ribs connect directly to the sternum through their own costal cartilage. This direct attachment provides a strong connection and contributes to the stability of the rib cage.
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False Ribs (Vertebrochondral): Ribs 8-10 are classified as false ribs. They do not have a direct connection to the sternum. Instead, their costal cartilage joins the cartilage of the rib above them (specifically, rib 7), eventually connecting indirectly to the sternum.
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Floating Ribs (Vertebral, Free): Ribs 11 and 12 are known as floating ribs. These ribs do not connect to the sternum at all. They are shorter and only attached to the vertebrae in the back. Their anterior ends are free and embedded in the abdominal musculature.
| Rib Type | Rib Numbers | Attachment to Sternum |
|---|---|---|
| True Ribs | 1-7 | Direct attachment via costal cartilage |
| False Ribs | 8-10 | Indirect attachment via rib 7 cartilage |
| Floating Ribs | 11-12 | No attachment to sternum |
The different types of rib attachments contribute to the flexibility and movement of the rib cage during breathing.
