True ribs are which of the following statements?

True ribs are which of the following statements?

• A. Ribs 1-7 attach directly to the sternum via costal cartilages
• B. Ribs 8-12 attach directly to the sternum
• C. Ribs 1-3 attach to the sternum
• D. Ribs 5-9 attach to the sternum

Answer: (A)

The true ribs are the first seven pairs that connect to the sternum directly through their own costal cartilages. This direct attachment to the sternum is what defines them as true ribs. The remaining ribs do not attach directly to the sternum—ribs 8–10 join the cartilage of the rib above to reach the sternum, and ribs 11–12 do not attach to the sternum at all. So rib pairs 1 through 7 fit the description exactly, making the statement correct.

The true ribs are the first seven pairs that connect to the sternum directly through their own costal cartilages. This direct attachment to the sternum is what defines them as true ribs. The remaining ribs do not attach directly to the sternum—ribs 8–10 join the cartilage of the rib above to reach the sternum, and ribs 11–12 do not attach to the sternum at all. So rib pairs 1 through 7 fit the description exactly, making the statement correct.