How many pairs of ribs form the rib cage?

How many pairs of ribs form the rib cage?

• A. 10 pairs
• B. 12 pairs
• C. 14 pairs
• D. 8 pairs

Answer: (B)

Twelve pairs of ribs form the rib cage. There are twelve ribs on each side, organized as twelve paired bones around the thoracic cavity, totaling 24 individual ribs. This arrangement wraps from the thoracic spine to the sternum and protects the heart and lungs. The first seven pairs attach directly to the sternum (true ribs), the next three pairs attach to the cartilage of the rib above (false ribs), and the last two pairs do not attach to the sternum (floating ribs). But regardless of attachment, the rib cage count is twelve pairs.

Twelve pairs of ribs form the rib cage. There are twelve ribs on each side, organized as twelve paired bones around the thoracic cavity, totaling 24 individual ribs. This arrangement wraps from the thoracic spine to the sternum and protects the heart and lungs. The first seven pairs attach directly to the sternum (true ribs), the next three pairs attach to the cartilage of the rib above (false ribs), and the last two pairs do not attach to the sternum (floating ribs). But regardless of attachment, the rib cage count is twelve pairs.