Updated 2/27/25 I almost mislabeled a rib illustration because I did a quick Google image search for “false ribs" and saw so many mislabeled images. At first, I labeled the ribs 8–12 as false ribs, but I kept seeing other images labeling false ribs as 8–10. That made me second-guess myself.
After double-checking, I confirmed that false ribs include floating ribs (11 & 12), so the correct labeling is 8–12.
Here’s how it breaks down:
True ribs (1–7) attach directly to the sternum with their own costal cartilage.
False ribs (8–12) don’t connect directly to the sternum.
Floating ribs (11 & 12) are a subset of false ribs. They have no front attachment at all.
Vertebrochondral ribs (8–10) are another subset of false ribs. They connect to the sternum indirectly through shared cartilage.
Some diagrams incorrectly label false ribs as 8–10 when they’re actually referring to vertebrochondral ribs. Double-check your sources before taking an image at face value!
Feel free to use my rib illustrations to clear up any confusion for free under a Creative Commons license—CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. You can use this image for free if you give credit, provide a link to the license, and note any changes. You can’t use it for commercial purposes or make derivatives.
References
1. Merriam-Webster Dictionary. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/false%20rib. Accessed April 18, 2016.
2. Merriam-Webster Dictionary. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/floating+rib. Accessed April 18, 2016.
3. Merriam-Webster Dictionary. http://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/vertebrochondral%20rib. Accessed April 18, 2016.
4. Merriam-Webster Dictionary. http://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/vertebrosternal%20rib. Accessed April 18, 2016.
Keywords: anatomy, ribs, true ribs, false ribs, floating ribs, vertebrochondral ribs, skeletal system, medical illustration, human body, healthcare