How many pairs of false ribs are located above the floating ribs that are connected to each other by costal cartilage?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (d) 3
Explanation:
• Humans have 12 pairs of ribs, which are divided into three groups:
– True ribs (1–7): Directly attached to the sternum.
– False ribs (8–12): Do not attach directly to the sternum.
– Floating ribs (11–12): A type of false ribs with no anterior attachment.
• The ribs above the floating ribs are ribs 8, 9 and 10, and these three pairs are connected to the sternum indirectly through the costal cartilage of rib 7.
• Therefore, the number of false rib pairs located above the floating ribs and connected by costal cartilage is three pairs.
Information Booster:
· False ribs are called “false” because their attachment to the sternum is indirect, unlike true ribs which attach directly.
· Costal cartilage provides flexibility to the rib cage, enabling breathing movements.
· Floating ribs (11 and 12) protect vital organs like the kidneys but are not connected to the sternum or other rib cartilages.
· The rib cage forms part of the axial skeleton, which also includes the skull and vertebral column.
Additional Knowledge:
· Option (a) 2 is incorrect because only ribs 8 and 9 would be counted, missing rib 10.
· Option (b) 5 and (c) 6 are incorrect because the entire human ribcage does not have that many false ribs above the floating ribs.
· False ribs (8–12) are five pairs in total, but only three pairs are connected by costal cartilage.