Question

Identify vertebrochondral ribs from the following.

• A. All 12 pairs of ribs
• B. 1${}^{st}$ to 7${}^{th}$ pairs of ribs
• C. 8${}^{th}$, 9${}^{th}$ and 10${}^{th}$ pairs of ribs
• D. 11${}^{th}$ and 12${}^{th}$ pairs of ribs

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

8${}^{th}$, 9${}^{th}$ and 10${}^{th}$ pairs of ribs

The rib cage is made of 12 pairs of ribs.

True ribs are the first seven pairs of ribs attached directly to the sternum with the help of costal cartilages. The 8${}^{th}$, 9${}^{th}$ and 10${}^{th}$ pairs of ribs are the false ribs also called vertebrochondral ribs. These ribs are attached to the coastal cartilage of the 7th rib and not directly to the sternum.

The 11${}^{th}$ and 12${}^{th}$ pair of ribs are the floating ribs joined only to the backbone and not to the sternum.

Thus the correct answer is '8${}^{th}$, 9${}^{th}$ and 10${}^{th}$ pairs of ribs'