Final answer:
The ribs that lie superior to the floating ribs are known as the false ribs. These include ribs 8 through 10, which attach indirectly to the sternum, and lie superior to ribs 11 and 12, the floating ribs. Thus, the correct answer to the question 'Which ribs lie superior to the floating ribs?' is (b) False ribs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ribs that lie superior to the floating ribs are the false ribs. The human rib cage, also known as the thoracic cage, is comprised of 12 pairs of ribs. These ribs are classified into three groups: true ribs, false ribs, and floating ribs. Specifically, the true ribs are ribs 1 through 7, which attach directly to the sternum via their costal cartilage. The false ribs include ribs 8 through 10, which do not attach directly to the sternum but are connected to the cartilage of the next higher rib, and ribs 11 and 12, which are the floating ribs.
The false ribs lie superior to the floating ribs (11-12) and are attached indirectly to the sternum, either via the cartilage of the next higher rib or, in the case of the floating ribs, not attached to the sternum at all. Thus, the correct answer to the question 'Which ribs lie superior to the floating ribs?' is (b) False ribs.