Final answer:
The human thoracic cage contains 12 pairs of ribs, including true, false, and floating ribs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The human thoracic cage, also known as the rib cage, contains 12 pairs of ribs. The first seven pairs of ribs are classified as true ribs because they are attached by cartilage directly to the sternum. The next three pairs of ribs are classified as false ribs because they are attached by cartilage to the ribs above them, rather than directly to the sternum. The last two pairs of ribs are classified as floating ribs because they are attached by cartilage to muscles in the abdominal wall.