Which phrase correctly lists the categories of ribs?

Which phrase correctly lists the categories of ribs?

• A. True Ribs, False Ribs, Floating Ribs
• B. True Ribs, Floating Ribs, False
• C. True, Floating, False
• D. True, False, Floating

Answer: (D)

Rib classification is based on how each rib connects to the sternum. There are three categories: true ribs attach directly to the sternum via their costal cartilage; false ribs do not attach directly to the sternum; floating ribs are the subset of false ribs that do not attach to the sternum at all. Saying "True, False, Floating" lists these categories in a clean, standard way, reflecting direct attachment, indirect or no attachment, and no anterior attachment. Using these exact terms keeps the wording precise and widely understood in anatomy. (For reference, true ribs are the first seven pairs, false ribs are 8–12, and floating ribs are the 11th and 12th pairs.)

Rib classification is based on how each rib connects to the sternum. There are three categories: true ribs attach directly to the sternum via their costal cartilage; false ribs do not attach directly to the sternum; floating ribs are the subset of false ribs that do not attach to the sternum at all. Saying "True, False, Floating" lists these categories in a clean, standard way, reflecting direct attachment, indirect or no attachment, and no anterior attachment. Using these exact terms keeps the wording precise and widely understood in anatomy. (For reference, true ribs are the first seven pairs, false ribs are 8–12, and floating ribs are the 11th and 12th pairs.)