Question

The last two pairs of ribs are named floating ribs because

• A. Their sternal parts are attached to the sternum directly.
• B. Their sternal parts are attached on the 7th pair of ribs.
• C. Their sternal parts remain free and do not even reach the sternum.
• D. They float in the body cavity.

Answer 1

The correct option is C Their sternal parts remain free and do not even reach the sternum.

The phrase floating rib or vertebral rib refers to the two lowermost, the eleventh and twelfth rib pairs; so called because they are attached only to the vertebrae and not to the sternum or cartilage of the sternum.

So, option C is the correct option.