Question

The thoracic cage is the bony framework that surrounds the organs and soft tissues of the chest. It consists of the sternum, the ribs, and the vertebrae. Cost+al refers to the costae, or _____. There are 12 pairs of ribs, each one joined to a vertebra posteriorly (at the back). The first seven pairs, called "true ribs," attach directly to the sternum. The other five pairs, referred to as "false ribs," do not attach directly to the sternum (Figure 6-8).

Answer 1

Cost+al refers to the costae or ribs. The thoracic cage includes the sternum, ribs, and thoracic vertebrae, protecting the heart and lungs, with the first seven pairs of ribs being true ribs and the remaining five pairs classified as false ribs, including the floating ribs (11-12).

Step-by-step explanation:

Cost+al refers to the costae, or ribs. The thoracic cage, also known as the rib cage, plays a crucial role in protecting vital organs within the thorax, such as the heart and lungs.

It consists of the sternum, ribcage, and the thoracic vertebrae. There are 12 pairs of ribs attached posteriorly to the thoracic vertebrae and divided into true ribs (1-7) which attach directly to the sternum, and false ribs (8-12), which do not. Specifically, ribs 8-10 are connected to the sternum indirectly through cartilage, while the last two pairs, known as floating ribs (11-12), do not attach to the sternum at all.