Question

Select the correct option

• A. \(8^{th}, 9^{th}\) and \(10^{th}\) pairs of ribs articulate directly with the sternum.
• B. \(11^{th}\) and \(12^{th}\) pairs of ribs are connected to the sternum with the help of hyaline cartilage.
• C. Each rib is a flat thin bone and all the ribs are connected dorsally to the thoracic vertebrae and ventrally to the sternum.
• D. There are seven pairs of vertebrosternal, three pairs of vertebrochondral and two pairs of vertebral ribs.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

To solve this question, we need to understand the structure and terminology related to the human rib cage. The question is about the articulation of ribs with the sternum and the classification of ribs based on their attachment.

The human rib cage consists of 12 pairs of ribs. These ribs are categorized based on their connection to the sternum:

1. Vertebrosternal Ribs: These are also known as "true ribs." They directly connect to the sternum through their own costal cartilage. These include the 1st to 7th pairs of ribs.
2. Vertebrochondral Ribs: These ribs connect to the sternum indirectly via the cartilage of the ribs above. They are commonly referred to as "false ribs." This group includes the 8th, 9th, and 10th pairs of ribs.
3. Vertebral Ribs: These are also known as "floating ribs." They do not connect to the sternum at all. This category includes the 11th and 12th pairs of ribs.

Given the options, let's analyze each one:

• Option 1: "8^{th}, 9^{th} and 10^{th} pairs of ribs articulate directly with the sternum" - This is incorrect because the 8th, 9th, and 10th pairs of ribs are vertebrochondral ribs and do not articulate directly with the sternum.
• Option 2: "11^{th} and 12^{th} pairs of ribs are connected to the sternum with the help of hyaline cartilage" - This is incorrect because the 11th and 12th pairs are floating ribs and do not connect to the sternum at all.
• Option 3: "Each rib is a flat thin bone and all the ribs are connected dorsally to the thoracic vertebrae and ventrally to the sternum" - While the statement is partially true that ribs are flat and thin and connect to thoracic vertebrae, not all are ventrally connected to the sternum (specifically floating ribs).
• Option 4: "There are seven pairs of vertebrosternal, three pairs of vertebrochondral and two pairs of vertebral ribs." - This is correct as it accurately describes the classification of the human ribs.

Therefore, the correct answer is: There are seven pairs of vertebrosternal, three pairs of vertebrochondral and two pairs of vertebral ribs.