Final answer:
There are three types of ribs: true ribs (1-7) that attach directly to the sternum, false ribs (8-10) that attach indirectly, and floating ribs (11-12) that do not attach to the sternum.
Step-by-step explanation:
The human skeleton includes 12 pairs of curved, flattened bones known as ribs (costae). These ribs are classified into three categories based on their relationship with the sternum. The first group is the true ribs, which include ribs 1-7. Their costal cartilages attach directly to the sternum. The second group is the false ribs, which include ribs 8-12. These ribs either attach indirectly to the sternum or not at all. Ribs 8-10 have their costal cartilages attached to the cartilage of the next higher rib. The third group, known as floating ribs, consists of ribs 11 and 12. These are short ribs that do not connect to the sternum or other ribs, as their costal cartilages terminate within the abdominal wall's musculature.