<Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> Anatomical terminology (edit on Wikidata) </Td> </Tr> <P> In vertebrate anatomy, ribs (Latin: costae) are the long curved bones which form the rib cage . In most tetrapods, ribs surround the chest, enabling the lungs to expand and thus facilitate breathing by expanding the chest cavity . They serve to protect the lungs, heart, and other internal organs of the thorax . In some animals, especially snakes, ribs may provide support and protection for the entire body . </P> <P> Humans have 24 ribs (12 pairs). The first seven sets of ribs, known as "true ribs" (costae verae) also known as vertebrosternal ribs, are directly attached to the sternum through the costal cartilage . Rib 1 is unique and harder to distinguish than other ribs . It is a short, flat, C - shaped bone . The vertebral attachment can be found just below the neck at the first thoracic vertebra, and the majority of this bone can be found above the level of the clavicle . Ribs 2 through 7 have a more traditional appearance and become longer and less curved as they progress downwards . The following five sets are known as "false ribs" (costae spuriae), three of these sharing a common cartilaginous connection to the sternum, while the last two (eleventh and twelfth ribs) are termed floating ribs (costae fluctuantes) or vertebral ribs . They are attached to the vertebrae only, and not to the sternum or cartilage coming off of the sternum . Some people lack one of the two pairs of floating ribs, while others have a third pair . </P> <P> In general, human ribs increase in length from ribs 1 through 7 and decrease in length again through rib 12 . Along with this change in size, the ribs become progressively oblique (slanted) from ribs 1 through 9, then less slanted through rib 12 . </P>

How many ribs does a human body have