Floating ribs, also known as vertebral ribs or free ribs, are the last two pairs of ribs in the human body. These ribs receive their name because they are not connected to the sternum, as the other ribs are. Some synonyms for floating ribs include spare ribs, false ribs, and mobile ribs. The term "false ribs" refers to all ribs that are not directly connected to the sternum, including the floating ribs, as well as the two pairs of ribs that attach to the sternum indirectly through cartilage. "Mobile ribs" describes the floating ribs' ability to move independently due to their lack of attachment to the sternum.