Question

Ribs 11 and 12 are called floating ribs because they_______.

• A. Do not articulate with the vertebrae.
• B. Attach only indirectly to the sternum.
• C. Have no connection to the sternum.
• D. Do not articulate directly with any other bone.

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Have no connection to the sternum.

The eleventh and twelfth don’t have any attachment with the sternum. Their only attachment is posterior, to the eleventh and twelfth thoracic ribs. As these ribs aren't fixed anteriorly, they seem to float and are called floating ribs.