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Multiple Choice
How many pairs of ribs articulate with the sternum indirectly in the human skeleton?
A
12 pairs
B
5 pairs
C
7 pairs
D
2 pairs
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the anatomy of the rib cage. The human rib cage consists of 12 pairs of ribs, which are categorized into true ribs, false ribs, and floating ribs based on their articulation with the sternum.
Step 2: Define the term 'indirect articulation.' Indirect articulation refers to ribs that do not directly connect to the sternum but instead attach to the sternum via costal cartilage.
Step 3: Identify the false ribs. False ribs are ribs 8, 9, and 10, which articulate indirectly with the sternum through the costal cartilage of the ribs above them.
Step 4: Exclude the true ribs and floating ribs. True ribs (1-7) articulate directly with the sternum, while floating ribs (11-12) do not articulate with the sternum at all.
Step 5: Count the pairs of ribs that articulate indirectly with the sternum. Based on the definition of false ribs, there are 3 pairs (ribs 8, 9, and 10) that articulate indirectly with the sternum.