Yes, there are three types of ribs in the human body. According to available information, the thoracic cage contains 12 pairs of ribs, categorized into three distinct types: true ribs, false ribs, and floating ribs.
Types of Ribs
Here's a breakdown of the three types of ribs:
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True Ribs: These are the first seven pairs of ribs (1-7). They are directly connected to the sternum (breastbone) through their own costal cartilage.
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False Ribs: These include ribs 8, 9, and 10. They do not have a direct connection to the sternum. Instead, their costal cartilage joins the cartilage of the rib above (rib 7), which then connects to the sternum.
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Floating Ribs: These are the last two pairs of ribs (11 and 12). They are called floating ribs because they do not connect to the sternum at all. They are only attached to the vertebrae in the back.
| Rib Type | Rib Numbers | Attachment to Sternum |
|---|---|---|
| True Ribs | 1-7 | Direct via costal cartilage |
| False Ribs | 8-10 | Indirect via rib 7 cartilage |
| Floating Ribs | 11-12 | No attachment |
