Classification and Structure of Ribs — NEET Biology
✅ Asked in NEET 2020There are 12 pairs of ribs. Each rib is a thin flat bone connected dorsally to the vertebral column and ventrally to the sternum. It has two articulation surfaces on its dorsal end and is hence called bicephalic. First seven pairs of ribs are called true ribs. Dorsally, they are attached to the thoracic vertebrae and ventrally connected to the sternum with the help of hyaline cartilage. The 8th, 9th and 10th pairs of ribs do not articulate directly with the sternum but join the seventh rib with the help of hyaline cartilage. These are called vertebrochondral (false) ribs. Last 2 pairs (11th and 12th) of ribs are not connected ventrally and are therefore, called floating ribs. Thoracic vertebrae, ribs and sternum together form the rib cage.
NTA tests students on the classification of ribs based on their ventral attachments: 7 true ribs attach directly to sternum via cartilage, 3 false ribs attach indirectly via the 7th rib, and 2 floating ribs have no ventral attachment. Students commonly confuse which ribs are "true" versus "false" or forget that floating ribs aren't connected ventrally. The key to remember: true ribs = direct sternum attachment, false ribs = indirect sternum attachment, floating ribs = no sternum connection at all. NEET frequently asks which rib pair lacks ventral articulation or counts the total number of each type.
This paragraph was tested 3 times in NEET.
Match the following columns and select the correct option. [2020]
Select the correct option: [2019]
Out of 'X' pairs of ribs in humans only 'Y' pairs are true ribs. Select the option that correctly represents values of X and Y and provides their explanation. (NEET 2017)
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