Ribs
Ribs (/'rɪbz/)
The ribs are a set of long, curved bones which form the rib cage in the human body. They are an essential part of the skeletal system, providing protection for the heart, lungs, and other internal organs.
Etymology
The term "rib" comes from the Old English ribb, which is akin to the Old High German rippi, both meaning "rib".
Structure
There are typically 12 pairs of ribs in a human body. These are divided into three categories: true ribs, false ribs, and floating ribs.
- True ribs (1st–7th ribs) are directly attached to the sternum through their costal cartilage.
- False ribs (8th–10th ribs) are not directly attached to the sternum, but are connected to the 7th rib by cartilage.
- Floating ribs (11th and 12th ribs) are not attached to the sternum or to other ribs.
Function
The primary function of the ribs is to protect the internal organs in the chest. They also play a role in the process of respiration, as they expand and contract during breathing.
Related Terms
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Ribs
- Wikipedia's article - Ribs
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