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3D OSTEOLOGY
3D THORAX

RIBS ANATOMY

Author: Dr. Bogdan Leahu
← Rib Cage Rib →
Ribs anatomy 360-degree interactive viewer showing twelve paired bones of the thoracic cage with vertebral and sternal articulations
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Ribs - General Structure, Preview from the app. Download 3D OSTEOLOGY for full 3D control—multiple views, x-ray mode, and unlimited zoom.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GENERAL FEATURES

Ribs anatomy showing twelve paired bones comprising the thoracic cage with posterior vertebral articulation and anterior cartilage termination
Ribs - General Features - Sourced from the app 3D OSTEOLOGY
  • Twelve paired bones comprising the thoracic cage
  • Provide protection for thoracic organs
  • Posterior articulation with vertebral column
  • Anterior termination as cartilage

CLASSIFICATION

  • Ribs are classified based on their structural features and sternal attachment

Based on Structural Features

  • Typical Ribs:
    • Share common structural characteristics
  • Atypical Ribs:
    • Display unique features not found in all ribs
    • Include ribs 1, 2, 10, 11, and 12

Based on Sternal Attachment

True Ribs (Vertebro-sternal Ribs)
True ribs 360-degree viewer showing ribs 1 through 7 with direct sternal attachment via individual costal cartilages
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True Ribs (Ribs 1-7), Preview from the app. Download 3D OSTEOLOGY for full 3D control—multiple views, x-ray mode, and unlimited zoom.

  • Comprise ribs 1 through 7
  • Connect directly to sternum via individual costal cartilages
False Ribs
False ribs 360-degree viewer showing ribs 8 through 12 without direct sternal attachment including vertebrochondral and floating ribs
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False Ribs (Ribs 8-12), Preview from the app. Download 3D OSTEOLOGY for full 3D control—multiple views, x-ray mode, and unlimited zoom.

  • Comprise ribs 8 through 12
  • Lack direct sternal attachment
  • Subdivided into:
    • Vertebrochondral Ribs (ribs 8–10):
      • Attach indirectly to sternum
      • Costal cartilages join cartilage of rib above
    • Floating Ribs (Vertebral Ribs) (ribs 11–12):
      • No anterior attachment to sternum
      • Terminate freely in posterior abdominal musculature

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Henry G, Warren HL. Osteology. In: Anatomy of the Human Body. 20th ed. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger; 1918. p. 129–97.

QUICK FACTS: RIBS

Key questions answered about this anatomy topic

Q: How many pairs of ribs comprise the thoracic cage?

Answer: Twelve pairs. The thoracic cage is composed of twelve paired ribs that articulate posteriorly with the vertebral column and terminate anteriorly as cartilage.

Q: Which ribs are classified as atypical ribs?

Answer: Ribs 1, 2, 10, 11, and 12. Atypical ribs include ribs 1, 2, 10, 11, and 12 because they display unique features not found in all ribs.

Q: Which ribs are classified as true ribs (vertebro-sternal ribs)?

Answer: Ribs 1 through 7. True ribs (vertebro-sternal ribs) are ribs 1 through 7, which connect directly to the sternum via individual costal cartilages.

Q: What distinguishes true ribs from false ribs?

Answer: True ribs connect directly to the sternum via individual costal cartilages. True ribs (ribs 1-7) are distinguished by their direct connection to the sternum via individual costal cartilages. False ribs (ribs 8-12) lack this direct sternal attachment.

Q: Which ribs are classified as vertebrochondral ribs?

Answer: Ribs 8 through 10. Vertebrochondral ribs are ribs 8 through 10. They attach indirectly to the sternum, with their costal cartilages joining the cartilage of the rib above.

Want to test yourself? Try the interactive quiz above!

⋮⋮ Ribs Quiz
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