How do costal cartilages connect the ribs to the sternum?

Costal cartilages are segments of hyaline cartilage that serve as the connection between the ribs and the sternum.12

The attachment follows a specific pattern based on the rib classification:
* True ribs: The first seven pairs of ribs attach directly to the sternum via their individual costal cartilages.1
* False ribs: The next three pairs do not attach directly to the sternum; instead, their costal cartilages connect to the cartilage of the rib immediately above them.1
* Floating ribs: The final two pairs of ribs have costal cartilages that do not connect to the sternum or other cartilages, but instead end within the muscle of the abdominal wall.1

This arrangement provides the rib cage with the flexibility and expansile nature necessary for breathing and movement.1