The more scientific name for true ribs is costae verae.
True ribs are the first seven pairs of ribs in the human rib cage that are directly attached to the sternum (breastbone) via costal cartilage. This direct connection is what distinguishes true ribs from false ribs, which either connect indirectly to the sternum or not at all. The term ‘costae verae’ comes from Latin, where ‘costae’ means ‘ribs’ and ‘verae’ means ‘true.’ Understanding the anatomy of the ribcage is essential for studying the human skeletal system, as it provides protection to vital organs such as the heart and lungs, while also supporting the upper body structure.