Final answer:
The term 'intercostal' (option B) means between the ribs, referring to the muscles located in the spaces between the ribs which aid in breathing and to the anatomical space itself within the thoracic cage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that means between the ribs is intercostal. This word is derived from the Latin 'inter' meaning between and 'costa' meaning rib. The intercostal muscles are the muscles that span the spaces between the ribs, aiding in the process of breathing by drawing the ribs together during exhalation and allow the ribs to expand during inhalation. It is important to note that the thoracic cage is a structure formed by the sternum, costal cartilages, and ribs which protect vital organs such as the heart and lungs.
True ribs or sternocostal ribs (1-7) attach directly to the sternum via their costal cartilage. The false ribs (8-12) either do not attach to the sternum at all, normally called floating ribs, or they attach indirectly to the sternum through the costal cartilage of the next higher rib. Thus, the correct answer is (B) intercostal, which specifically refers to the anatomical spaces between the ribs.