The spelling of the word "true rib" is based on the pronunciation of the two words. "True" is pronounced as /truː/ while "rib" is pronounced as /rɪb/. The IPA transcription for "true" involves the long "u" sound and the "r" sound, while "rib" involves a short "i" sound and a "b" sound. When the two words are combined, the spelling becomes "true rib", which denotes a rib that directly connects to the sternum through cartilage. Using IPA phonetic transcription helps to explain the spelling of this word and how it is pronounced.
True rib refers to one of the twelve pairs of ribs in humans and other mammals that directly attach to the sternum or breastbone, and are, therefore, considered as "true" ribs. These ribs are named as such because they have a direct attachment point to the sternum via costal cartilage, which provides stability and protection to vital organs in the chest cavity. The term "true rib" distinguishes these ribs from the other type of ribs called "false ribs."
In the human body, true ribs are located on the anterior (front) side of the thoracic cavity. Each true rib consists of a long, curved bone that joins the vertebrae of the spine at the back and curves downward toward the front, eventually connecting to the sternum or breastbone via flexible bands of cartilage. The cartilage allows some degree of movement while maintaining the rigidity and integrity of the chest cage.
The true rib framework plays a crucial role in shielding and safeguarding vital organs like the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, minimizing potential injuries resulting from direct impact or sudden movements. Additionally, true ribs contribute to the thoracic cage's structural stability during respiration, supporting chest expansion and contraction necessary for the intake and expulsion of air in the respiratory process.
Overall, true ribs serve as an essential component of the skeletal structure with the primary functions of protection and providing stability to the chest cavity.
• Costa vera, the seven upper ribs on either side whose cartilages articulate directly with the sternum.
• Costa vera, see rib.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "true rib" is derived from Old English and its Indo-European roots.
The term "rib" comes from the Old English word "ribb", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*rebjaz". This, in turn, comes from the Proto-Indo-European root "*rebh-", meaning "to curve" or "bow". The idea behind "rib" is that it refers to the curved shape of the bone.
The word "true" is used to distinguish certain ribs from others. In anatomy, there are 12 pairs of ribs, of which the first seven pairs are known as "true ribs". They are considered true ribs because they are directly attached to the sternum (breastbone) via a strip of cartilage called the costal cartilage.