Question #abe6c

1 Answer
Jan 4, 2018

Total = #"10 pairs or 20 ribs"#.
#"7 pairs or 14 ribs"# #to# are directly attached to the sternum
#"3 pairs or 6 ribs"# #to# are indirectly attached to the sternum

Explanation:

Out of #12# pairs of ribs, the first #7# pairs are known as vertebrosternal ribs. These connect directly to the breast bone plate or sternum via their costal cartilages. And these #14# ribs or #"7 pairs"# of ribs being directly attached to the sternum are termed as true ribs.

The next #3# pairs called as vertebrochondral ribs are indirectly attached to the sternum. The costal cartilages of these ribs don't connect directly to the sternum instead these get attached to the cartilage of the next higher rib. Thus, these ribs share common connection to the sternum. These are called false ribs.

http://health.ccm.net/faq/2458-sternum-definition

Hope it helps...