Ribs Classification

Ribs

• The ribs are classified into three groups based on their relationship to the sternum.
• True ribs are the upper 7 pairs that are attached anteriorly to the sternum by their costal cartilages.
• False ribs are the 8th, 9th, and 10th pairs that are attached anteriorly to each other and to the 7th rib by means of their costal cartilages.
• Floating ribs are the 11th and 12th pairs that are short ribs that do not attach to the sternum at all.

Rib Cage

• The rib cage consists of 12 pairs of ribs, classified into true, false, and floating ribs.
• The 1-7 pairs are true ribs.
• The 8-10 pairs are false ribs.
• The 11-12 pairs are floating ribs.

Pleura

• The pleura is a serous membrane that lines the lungs and thoracic cavity.
• It permits efficient and effortless respiration.
• The pleura is divided into two parts: visceral and parietal.

Structure of the Pleura

• Visceral pleura covers the outer surface of the lungs and extends into the interlobar fissures.
• Visceral pleura is insensitive to pressure, pain, and temperature.
• Parietal pleura covers the internal surface of the thoracic cavity.
• Parietal pleura is sensitive to pressure, pain, and temperature.
• There is a potential space between the visceral and parietal pleura, known as the pleural cavity.
• The pleural cavity contains a small volume of serous fluid to lubricate the surfaces of the pleura.