What does the term "false ribs" refer to?

The term "false ribs" specifically refers to the pairs of ribs that do not connect directly to the sternum through their own cartilage. Instead, these ribs are either indirectly attached to the sternum by the costal cartilage of the ribs above them or are not attached to the sternum at all. In the human ribcage, false ribs typically include ribs 8 through 10, which are connected to the 7th rib via cartilage, and the last two pairs, known as floating ribs, which are the 11th and 12th pairs that do not connect to the sternum at all. This anatomical distinction is important for understanding the structural functionality of the ribcage and the protection it provides for vital organs in the thoracic cavity.

The other options do not accurately capture the anatomical definition of false ribs. Malformed ribs, redundant ribs, or ribs that are repaired do not fit the established terminology used in anatomy to classify the types of ribs based on their connection points to the sternum.