floating ribs

rib (rib) any one of the paired bones, 12 on either side, extending from the thoracic vertebrae toward the median line on the ventral aspect of the trunk, forming the major part of the thoracic skeleton.

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abdominal ribs , asternal ribs false r's.

cervical rib  a supernumerary rib arising from a cervical vertebra.

false ribs  the five lower ribs on either side, not attached directly to the sternum.

floating ribs  the two lower false ribs on either side, usually without ventral attachment.

slipping rib  one whose attaching cartilage is repeatedly dislocated.

true ribs  the seven upper ribs on either side, connected to the sternum by their costal cartilages.

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floating ribs.

See rib, vertebral rib.