General Info
What cavity are the ribs in?
Thoracic cavity
What is the purpose of rib bones?
To protect the vital organs within the thoracic cavity- heart and lungs.
What material is connected to the ribs; connecting them to the sternum?
Costal cartilage! Costal cartilage is made up of hyaline cartilage and allows the chest wall to expand for breathing.
What are true ribs?
True ribs connect directly to the sternum via their costal cartilage. Ribs 1-7 are true ribs.
How many ribs are there in the human body?
12 pairs, so 24 total!
What are false ribs?
False ribs do not directly articulate with the sternum. Their costal cartilage connects to the cartilage of the rib directly above. Ribs 8-10 are false ribs.
What are floating ribs?
Floating ribs do not articulate with the sternum at all. Ribs 11 and 12 are floating