The seven true ribs are ribs 1 through 7. These ribs are called "true" because their costal cartilages (the cartilage connecting the rib to the sternum, or breastbone) directly attach to the sternum.
Understanding True Ribs
Ribs are classified into three groups: true ribs, false ribs, and floating ribs. The distinction lies in how they connect to the sternum.
- True ribs (ribs 1-7): These ribs connect directly to the sternum via their individual costal cartilages. This direct connection provides strong structural support to the rib cage.
- False ribs (ribs 8-10): These ribs' costal cartilages don't attach directly to the sternum. Instead, they connect to the costal cartilage of the rib above them.
- Floating ribs (ribs 11-12): These ribs lack any connection to the sternum; their anterior ends are free.
Why the Distinction Matters
Understanding the classification of ribs is important in anatomy and medicine. Injuries to different rib types present differently, and their treatment may vary. For example, fractures of the floating ribs, due to their lack of anterior support, are more likely to occur than fractures of the true ribs.
Multiple sources confirm this classification of ribs:
- Britannica: "[The first seven pairs are attached directly to the sternum by costal cartilages and are called true ribs.]"
- Physiopedia: "True ribs: ribs 1-7 directly articulate with the sternum via costal cartilage"
- Kenhub: "The true ribs are the ribs that directly articulate with the sternum with their costal cartilages; they are the first seven ribs."
- Open Oregon State Education: "True ribs (1–7) attach directly to the sternum via their costal cartilage."
- Many other reputable sources also confirm this.
