False ribs

Definition

False ribs are the five lower ribs (8th to 12th) that do not directly attach to the sternum but either connect indirectly via cartilage or not at all. The false ribs include both the floating ribs (11th and 12th) which have no anterior attachment, and the ribs (8th to 10th) that connect to the cartilage of the rib above.

Related terms

Sternum: The long flat bone located in the center of the chest, serving as a central point for rib attachment.

Cartilage: A flexible, rubbery tissue that covers ends of bones at joints and forms structures such as ear lobes, tip of nose, and connections for some ribs.

Floating Ribs: The 11th and 12th pairs of ribs that are not attached to the sternum or other rib cartilage, providing only posterior attachment to the vertebrae