Which one of the following gives its correct total number ?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 1: Floating ribs in humans - 4

The human skeletal system, which provides structure and protection for vital organs, contains 12 pairs of ribs in the thoracic cage. These ribs are classified into three groups based on their connection to the sternum (breastbone). The first seven pairs are designated as true ribs because they articulate directly with the sternum via their own costal cartilages. The next three pairs (8th, 9th, and 10th) are false ribs, as their cartilage connects indirectly by joining the cartilage of the rib above them. The final two pairs of ribs, the 11th and 12th, are known as the **floating ribs**. They earn this name because they only connect posteriorly to the vertebrae of the spine and have no anterior cartilaginous attachment to the sternum or to any other rib's cartilage. Since these constitute two pairs, the total number of floating ribs in a typical human is two on the left side and two on the right side, giving a correct total count of 4.

The incorrect option is 2: Amino acids found in proteins - 16

This number is inaccurate in the context of protein biosynthesis. The universally accepted number of canonical or standard amino acids that are genetically encoded and serve as the building blocks for all proteins is **20**. These 20 amino acids are incorporated into polypeptide chains during translation based on the triplet codons specified in the messenger RNA. The specific sequence of these 20 amino acids determines the primary structure of the protein, which in turn dictates its unique three-dimensional folding and biological function. While there are other non-standard amino acids, the number 20 is the critical foundation of molecular biology, making 16 an incorrect representation of the standard building blocks.

The incorrect option is 3: Types of diabetes - 6

The major clinical and conceptual classification of diabetes mellitus is typically limited to three primary types. These are Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, which is an autoimmune condition resulting in absolute insulin deficiency, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, characterized by insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency, and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, which occurs during pregnancy. While various classification systems may include other specific subtypes like LADA, MODY, or secondary diabetes, listing '6' as the definitive or correct total number of major types of diabetes is medically non-standard and therefore incorrect for this fundamental biological question.

The incorrect option is 4: Cervical vertebrae in human - 8

The correct count for the number of cervical vertebrae in the human spine is consistently **7**. The seven cervical vertebrae, labeled C1 through C7, form the skeleton of the neck and are responsible for supporting the skull and allowing its extensive movement. This number is a remarkable evolutionary conserved trait found in almost all mammals, regardless of neck length. The number 8 is a common point of confusion because there are, in fact, **8 pairs** of cervical *spinal nerves* that emerge from this region. However, the question specifically asks for the number of *vertebrae*, which are the bony segments, making the count of 7 the correct anatomical fact.