The ribs are movably connected to which part of the skeleton?

The ribs are movably connected to the thoracic vertebrae. This connection is critical because it allows for the expansion and contraction of the rib cage during breathing. The thoracic spine consists of twelve vertebrae, each of which has facets that articulate with the heads of the ribs, providing a flexible structure that supports respiratory mechanics.

Movement at these connections facilitates vital functions, such as inhalation and exhalation, by allowing the rib cage to change volume and pressure in the thoracic cavity. This structural arrangement emphasizes the importance of the thoracic vertebrae in respiratory health and mobility, clearly distinguishing it from other regions of the spine, such as the cervical, lumbar, or sacral vertebrae, which do not have a direct connection to the ribs or the function related to respiratory mechanics.