Two Minutes of Anatomy: True Ribs & False Ribs

Overview of Ribs

• Anatomy lesson focuses on the classification of ribs.

True Ribs (Vertebral Sternal Ribs)

• Definition: True ribs are medically termed vertebral sternal ribs.

• Count: Ribs number 1 through 7 on each side (first seven pairs).

• Attachment:

  • Originate from the spine.

  • Wrap around and attach directly to the sternum.

  • Connected through costal cartilage, ensuring a direct attachment.

False Ribs

• Definition: False ribs include ribs number 8 through 12 and are not directly attached to the sternum.

Vertebral Chondral Ribs (Ribs 8-10)

• Count: Ribs number 8 through 10 are known as vertebral chondral ribs.

• Attachment:

  • Originate from the vertebrae.

  • Wrap around anteriorly and attach to the sternum indirectly.

  • They connect through the costal cartilage of the rib superior to them.

Floating Ribs (Ribs 11-12)

• Count: Ribs number 11 and 12 are classified as floating ribs.

• Attachment:

  • Originate from the vertebrae but do not attach to the sternum at all.

  • They wrap around without any connection to the sternum, either directly or indirectly.

Summary

• True ribs (vertebral sternal ribs) directly attach to the sternum.

• False ribs consist of:

  • Vertebral chondral ribs (8-10) which attach indirectly.

  • Floating ribs (11-12) which do not attach to the sternum at all.