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What is the key distinction between a floating rib and a false rib?
A false rib attaches directly to the sternum with its own costocartilage
A floating rib is connected to the sternum via costocartilage
A true rib attaches directly to the sternum with its own costocartilage
A false rib does not connect to the sternum at all
The correct answer is: A true rib attaches directly to the sternum with its own costocartilage
The distinction between a floating rib and a false rib lies primarily in their anatomical connections to the sternum. A floating rib is defined as a rib that does not have any anterior attachment to the sternum or any other ribs. There are typically two pairs of floating ribs (the 11th and 12th ribs) that free-float on the ventral side of the thoracic cavity. False ribs, on the other hand, are ribs that do not attach directly to the sternum. Instead, they connect to the costal cartilage of the rib above, which means they have a form of indirect connection. False ribs include ribs 8 through 10. The correct answer correctly identifies the nature of the connection of true ribs, which do attach directly to the sternum through their own costal cartilage. This distinction emphasizes that true ribs (ribs 1-7) are those that have a straightforward connection to the sternum, differentiating them from both false and floating ribs within the rib cage anatomy.