EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -The thoracic cage (rib cage) forms the thorax (chest) portion of the body. It consists of the 12 pairs of ribs with their costal cartilages and the sternum (Figure 7.32). The ribs are anchored posteriorly to the 12 thoracic vertebrae (T1–T12). The thoracic cage protects the heart and lungs.

Detailed explanation-2: -The thoracic cage is formed by the 12 pairs of ribs with their costal cartilages and the sternum. The ribs are attached posteriorly to the 12 thoracic vertebrae and most are anchored anteriorly either directly or indirectly to the sternum. The thoracic cage functions to protect the heart and lungs.

Detailed explanation-3: -How many ribs do humans have? The vast majority of people are born with 12 pairs of ribs, for a total of 24, no matter their sex. The exception to this anatomy rule are people born with specific genetic anomalies. These can take the form of too many ribs (supernumerary ribs) or too few (agenesis of ribs).

Detailed explanation-4: -The eleventh and twelfth don’t have any articulations anteriorly and are free. Their only attachment is posterior, to the eleventh and twelfth thoracic ribs. As these ribs aren’t fixed anteriorly, they seem to float and are called floating ribs.

Detailed explanation-5: -The ribs are the bony framework of the thoracic cavity. Generally, there are twelve pairs of ribs. Each rib articulates posteriorly with two thoracic vertebrae; by the costovertebral joint. An exception to this rule is that the first rib articulates with the first thoracic vertebra only.