Floating ribs

Definition

Floating ribs are the last two pairs of ribs in the human rib cage that are not attached to the sternum or to other ribs by cartilage at their anterior ends. Unlike other ribs, they are attached only to the vertebrae at the back.

Related terms

Sternum: The long flat bone located in the central part of the chest, serving as a major attachment point for ribs and providing structural protection for thoracic organs.

Cartilage: A flexible, rubbery connective tissue found throughout the body that provides structure and cushioning at joints, including where some ribs connect to the sternum.

Thoracic Vertebrae: The twelve vertebrae located in the mid-back behind the thoracic cavity, to which all twelve pairs of ribs are attached