Floating ribs are also known as vertebral ribs. They do not connect with the sternum ventrally and are only connected to the vertebral column.
Table of Content
What are ribs?
The ribs are the part of the axial skeleton. Ribs are the flat bones that form the rib cage. Ribs, sternum and thoracic vertebrae constitute the rib cage, which protects the thoracic visceral organs such as the heart, lungs, etc.
Rib Cage
It is an enclosure that comprises the sternum, vertebral column and ribs. The rib cage holds the vital muscles for respiration such as the intercostal muscles and the diaphragm. Thus they have a major role in respiration.
Also see: Bones of Spine
Types of Ribs
Floating Ribs
The last two pairs of ribs are known as the floating ribs, i.e. 11th and 12th pair. The floating ribs are comparatively smaller and have cartilaginous tips. They are only connected to the thoracic vertebrae, so they are also known as the vertebral ribs and there is no attachment present ventrally, hence the name “floating ribs”.
True Ribs
There are twelve pairs of ribs present in the human skeleton. The first seven pairs of ribs are known as the true ribs. They are vertebrosternal, i.e. they directly articulate with the sternum ventrally by sternocostal joints.
False Ribs
The last five pairs of ribs are known as false ribs including the floating ribs. The other false ribs are 8th, 9th and 10th pairs of ribs. They are known as the vertebrochondral ribs. They are connected to the 7th pair of ribs by hyaline cartilage. The elasticity of joints allows the movement of the rib cage during respiration.
All the ribs articulate with the thoracic vertebrae of the vertebral column dorsally by costovertebral joints.
This was in brief about the Floating Ribs. Get access to all the NEET Questions with explanations, only at BYJU’S.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the three types of ribs?
Humans have 24 ribs (12 pairs) which form the rib cage. They are classified into three types namely the true ribs (1-7), the false ribs (8-10) and the floating ribs (11,12).
What is a cervical rib?
The extra rib arising from the 7th cervical vertebrae is called a cervical rib. It is a congenital abnormality seen in just 0.2% to 0.5% of the population.
What are the components of ribs?
The anatomy of a rib includes the head, neck, body, tubercle and angle. The head lies next to the vertebra and the neck is the flattened extension from the head. The posterior surface of the neck has the tubercle. The body is also called the shaft of the rib. The bending part of the rib is the angle.
See More:
| Important Notes for NEET – Locomotion and Movement |
| NEET Biology Flashcards |
| NEET MCQs |
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