Question

difference between the true ribs and floating ribs

Answer 1

True ribs attach with the cartilage that is a direct bridge to the sternum; they are called true ribs or vertebro-sternal ribs

Floating ribs do not attach to anything.

Answer 2

Answer:

Ribs are of three types

(i) True ribs:  

• The first seven pairs of ribs are called true ribs.
• They are dorsally attached to the thoracic vertebrae and are ventrally connected to the sternum with help of the hyaline cartilage.

(ii) False ribs:  

• The three pairs of ribs i.e., 8th, 9th and 10th do not directly articulate with the sternum rather it joins the cartilage of 7th pair of ribs and hence are called false ribs because ribs generally articulate with both thoracic vertebrae and sternum but these ribs do not articulate with the sternum directly.

(iii) Floating ribs:  

• The 11th and 12th pair of ribs are called floating ribs because one end of the rib is attached to the vertebral column and the other end is free.
• The floating ribs play an important role to protect the kidneys.