Ribs
There are a total of twelve pairs of ribs. They increase in size from the first (most superior) pair as you head inferiorly but then at the most inferior pairings they decrease in size. The first seven ribs are your 'true ribs' since they each have their own cartilage attachment to the sternum (more commonly know as the 'breast bone'). Rib pairs eight through twelve are 'false ribs' since they all do not have their own anterior cartilage attachment to the sternum. The last two paris are actually 'floating ribs' because they do not attach at all to any structure on the anterior side.
Sternum
The sternum is made up of three regions. Together these regions make the sternum (more commonly know as the 'breast bone') which provides an anterior anchoring point for the ribs.
***The thoracic vertebrae, sternum and ribs all together make up your thoracic cavity which houses the lungs and heart.
Figure 4 - Ribs and Sternum
Image from Johnson Human Biology 6th edition.
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