The ribs are flat and curved bones forming the thoracic cage. They function to protect, allow breathing movements, and as attachments for muscles and ligaments.
Classification
We can divide the ribs based on their type (true, false, and floating) and their structure (typical and atypical).
True, false and floating
- True ribs: 1st–7th ribs — Attach directly to the sternum along with their own cartilage.
- False ribs: 8th, 9th, and in most of the cases 10th ribs — Are attached with their own cartilages to the cartilage of the rib above them creating an indirect attachment to the sternum.
- Floating ribs: 11th, 12th, and sometimes even 10th ribs — The cartilages of these ribs do not attach to the sternum at all.
