Florida Basic Recruit Training Program High Liability (First Aid) Practice Exam

What protects the organs in the upper body, including the heart and lungs?

1. Shoulder girdle

2. Ribs

3. Pelvis

4. Vertebrae

The correct answer is: Ribs

The ribs play a crucial role in protecting vital organs located in the upper body, particularly the heart and lungs. This skeletal structure forms a protective cage around these organs, guarding them from potential trauma and injury. The ribs are connected to the spine at the back and curve around to the front, where they attach to the sternum. This configuration not only supports the thoracic cavity but also helps in the respiratory process by expanding and contracting during breathing. In addition to their protective function, the arrangement of the ribs allows for the necessary movement during respiration, ensuring that the lungs can efficiently fill with air and expel carbon dioxide. The ribs are essential for maintaining the structural integrity of the upper part of the body and support a variety of muscles that contribute to both movement and protection of the organs contained within this area. Other structures mentioned, such as the shoulder girdle, pelvis, and vertebrae, serve different functions in the body. The shoulder girdle primarily provides attachment points for the upper limbs, the pelvis supports the lower body and organs within the abdomen, and the vertebrae protect the spinal cord while supporting the upper body's structure. However, none of these structures provide the same direct level of protection to the heart and lungs as the ribs do