APPLIED RADIOLOGICAL ANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -There are two pairs of floating ribs present in human body. There are usually 12 pairs of ribs. The 11th and 12th pairs of ribs are called floating ribs because these ribs do not attach to the sternums or to another rib.

Detailed explanation-2: -Sets 11 and 12 are floating ribs, and they only connect to the thoracic vertebrae of the spinal column in the back. It is the flexible costal cartilage that allows the ribs to expand when people take deep breaths.

Detailed explanation-3: -That’s because the rib cage, made up of 12 pairs of ribs, doesn’t fully attach to other bones in the same way at all points. Seven pairs of ribs attach directly to the sternum, at the front of the chest, through cartilage that forms at the end of each rib.

Detailed explanation-4: -Floating ribs are also known as vertebral ribs. They do not connect with the sternum ventrally and are only connected to the vertebral column.

Detailed explanation-5: -Most people have a pair of floating ribs at the bottom of the ribcage (ribs 11 and 12), but a few have a third stubby little floating rib (13), and even fewer-yours truly included-have a 10th rib that floats free.