Question

How many true ribs are present in the rib cage?

• A. 10
• B. 7
• C. 2
• D. 12

Answer 1

The correct option is B

7

The first rib attaches to the sternum anteriorly and to the T1 vertebra posteriorly. The next few ribs articulate similarly until we reach the eighth rib. The eighth, ninth, and tenth ribs articulate with the costal cartilages of the ribs above them instead of the sternum. The eleventh and twelfth don’t have any articulations anteriorly and are free. Their only attachment is posteriorly, to the eleventh and twelfth thoracic vertebrae. As these ribs aren't fixed anteriorly, they seem to float and are called floating ribs.

As far as the classification goes, the first 7 ribs are called true ribs whereas 8 to 12 are called false ribs in which the last 2 are called floating ribs.