Check this out........

False ribs? :-o They're ALL true ribs. Just some are really big and sturdy and some are smaller and bendy.

BTW, you can only have the lower set removed with little or no effect (other than being able to blow yourself more easily). If you start to remove more than that then you get breathing difficulties.

I seriously doubt that anyone had this done because almost certainly be dead from a collapsed lung. You CANNOT breathe without your ribs, since your lungs have no other means of inflating and deflating. It you remove the ribs then your lungs will collapse. Even if you remove two or three sets then that is enough for you to have very severe difficulty trying to inflate your lungs and you couldn't live like that unless you stopped exherting yourself. You'd suffocate after any form of exhertion - like walking. :lol:

 

I just hate it when you make me go and check my facts.

Ah, here it is: http://www.mythos.com/webmd/Content.aspx?P=RIBSK1

It seems to suggest that the upper seven pairs are "true" ribs while the lower five are "false" ribs. Is that incorrect? Or have I misinterpreted the graphic?

 

Well, all that says is that the upper sets are reticular, whislt the lower sets are responsible for chest cavity structure - as it should be.

They're all TRUE ribs, but some ribs have different functions. the lower ribs are responsible for the chest cavity structure, hence you can remove the lower 1-3 sets and still live, but if you start removing any of the upper sets that are responsible for the respiratory functions then you're in trouble.

And don't pay attention to that graphic at all. It doesn't even have the correct number of ribs! :lol:

The lower ribs are less boney and have more cartelage and the upper ribs have a higher calcium content. However, they're all slightly bendy and all have the same generic structure.

 

You're kidding! Well that does it, I'm definitely going to get me a reliable book on anatomy for home use.

One day I'm also going to find out where cats and dogs and rabbits are hiding their navel. I've spent years looking but I've never seen one. Most discouraging.

 

Sorry for my ignorance, but what's a navel?

 

I believe it is something like your 'belly button'.

 

Well, in that case, it is because those kind of animals aren't born with a cord attached.

BTW, everytime I poke my finger in my belly button, I suddenly feel like something is poking my dick. Why?

 

Or a mispelled kind of orange. In the Navy.

 

My belly button still makes my dick feel funny when I poke it...

 

I'm amazed it's grown nerve cells. Are you sure it's got the room?

 

I don't know. Maybe you should ask it.

 

If it's miraculously developed the capability for higher reasoning and can type, then I think it's time you face the fact that what you think is a penis may in fact be a malevolant bodysnatching alien. You might want to kill it before it takes over the rest of your abdomen.

 

After a description like that, I'm beginning to wonder if it is a close relative of you...

 

My relatives have much better taste.

 

YUCK! I'll leave you to your opinion, for I would rather not try to prove you right or wrong...

 

And I set you up so well.

I'd forgotten just how tedious you are, nbrosz.

 

*bows*

Nice of you to remember.

 

If I go away, will you just post replies to yourself?

Let's find out.

 

And ruin all our fun? What a party-pooper....

Besides, when you are talking to me, why should I NOT reply?

 

Are cats, dogs, and rabbits mammals? WELL ARE THEY???? Because if they ARE, then they've got a navel.

DO THEY EVEN TEACH SCIENCE WHERE YOU LIVE????????????

We really need a "completely exasperated" smilie. This one will do for now: :x

EDIT: I mean placental mammals. Obviously. Don't be a smartass and say, "Oh, I thought they were monotremes."