True vs false vs floating ribs: how they differ, in 3D
The twelve pairs of ribs are grouped by how their front ends reach the sternum. Ribs 1 to 7, the true ribs, join the sternum directly through their own costal cartilage; ribs 8 to 10, the false ribs, join the cartilage above and reach the sternum only indirectly; and ribs 11 and 12, the floating ribs, do not reach the sternum at all.
Frequently asked questions
How many ribs are there?
There are twelve pairs, 24 ribs in all: seven pairs of true ribs, three pairs of false ribs and two pairs of floating ribs.
Are floating ribs a kind of false rib?
Yes, in the wider grouping. Because none of ribs 8 to 12 joins the sternum directly, all five are often called false ribs, and ribs 11 and 12 are then singled out as floating ribs.
Where do the ribs attach at the back?
All twelve pairs join the thoracic vertebrae at their back ends: the 1st rib meets the 1st thoracic vertebra and the 12th rib the 12th.
The bones compared
- First rib
- Second rib
- Third rib
- Fourth rib
- Fifth rib
- Sixth rib
- Seventh rib
- Eighth rib
- Ninth rib
- Tenth rib
- Eleventh rib
- Twelfth rib
Joints they form
Other comparisons
- Radius vs ulna
- Tibia vs fibula
- Cervical vs thoracic vs lumbar vertebrae
- Atlas vs axis (C1 and C2)
- Femur vs humerus
- Clavicle vs scapula
- Maxilla vs mandible
- Scaphoid vs navicular bone
- Carpals vs tarsals
- Metacarpals vs metatarsals
Skeleton
Read more
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Once the 3D model loads you can turn it and select each part.