The human rib cage is a complex set of bones that function to protect the vital organs in the chest. Ribs are usually counted from top to bottom, starting with the one closest to the head. The human rib cage comprises the sternum, thoracic vertebrae, and ribs. The cage-like structure of human ribs provides solid protection to human vital internal organs. There are 12 pairs of ribs in total! This article will go over some different types of human ribs that you might hear about for the first time.

True Ribs

The first type of human ribs is the true ribs. The first seven pairs of ribs are known as the “true” ribs because they do not have a vertebral attachment and connect directly to the sternum via their costal cartilage. This set of ribs is also known as the “sternal” ribs.

The first rib, located at the top of the ribcage and closest to the head, is called the “head” rib. These seven pairs of ribs protect the heart and lungs. The true ribs are identified by numbers one through seven, with number one being closest to the head and number seven at the bottom of this rib cage set.

False Ribs

The second type of human ribs is known as false or floating ribs. It means that they do not connect directly to the sternum but instead to the ribs above them. The last two pairs of human ribs are false ribs because they do not attach directly to the sternum. However, these bones still connect indirectly with their costal cartilage. The false ribs are numbers eight through nine, with number nine being closest to the bottom of this rib cage set.

Floating Ribs

The final type of human ribs is called floating ribs, and these are numbers ten through twelve. This set can be considered a continuation or extension of the false rib cage because it does not attach to the sternum. These bones connect directly with their costal cartilage via ligaments that originate from surrounding structures such as muscles. The final three pairs of ribs are known as the floating ribs because they do not attach directly to the sternum. The number ten false rib is closest to the bottom, and number twelve is located at the top of this set.

The different human ribs provide protection, support, and space for essential organs such as the heart. The rib cage also provides an attachment for muscles involved with breathing, called the respiratory system. We should be grateful for our complex ribs that give us these many functions! Thanks for reading.