How many true ribs are found in the human body?

The human body contains seven pairs of true ribs, which are the first seven pairs in the rib cage. True ribs are classified as such because they directly connect to the sternum (breastbone) via individual costal cartilages, allowing for support and structure to the upper body while also protecting vital organs such as the heart and lungs.

The structure of the rib cage consists of a total of 12 pairs of ribs. The first seven pairs are considered true ribs, while the next three pairs are classified as false ribs because they do not attach directly to the sternum. The last two pairs are referred to as floating ribs, as they do not connect to the sternum at all. Understanding the anatomy of the rib cage is essential for those studying mortuary science as it relates to the overall structure of the human body and its protective mechanisms.