| Count/Types |
24 ribs: True (1-7), False (8-10), Floating (11-12) |
Types: Fibrous, Cartilaginous, Synovial |
33 total: Cervical (7), Thoracic (12), Lumbar (5), Sacral (5), Coccygeal (4) |
| Structure |
Pairs attached to the sternum (directly or indirectly) |
Connect bones, vary in mobility |
Each has a central body, vertebral arch, attachment processes |
| Functions |
Protect heart/lungs, support upper body, assist breathing |
Enable movement, absorb shock, load distribution |
Protect spinal cord, support head/body, movement facilitation, attachment points |
