How many floating ribs are there in the human skeleton?

The human skeleton has a total of two floating ribs. Floating ribs are a specific type of rib that are not attached to the sternum or to other ribs via cartilage. Instead, they only attach to the vertebrae at the back. In humans, there are usually 12 pairs of ribs, and the last two pairs, which are described as floating ribs, have this unique characteristic of not extending to the front of the body. This anatomical feature is significant because it allows for a greater range of motion and flexibility in the rib cage while still providing protection for the organs in the thoracic cavity. Additionally, understanding the structure and number of ribs enhances knowledge of human anatomy, particularly regarding the respiratory system and thoracic protection.