What term is used to describe the 12 pairs of bones that protect the thoracic cavity?

The term that describes the 12 pairs of bones protecting the thoracic cavity is "ribs." The ribs play a crucial role in safeguarding vital organs located within the thoracic cavity, including the heart and lungs. They form a protective cage, allowing for the expansion and contraction of the lungs during breathing while also providing structural support and attachment points for muscles involved in respiration.

The sternum, which is a flat bone at the front of the rib cage, serves as an anchor for some ribs but does not itself constitute the pairs of bones protecting the thoracic cavity. Clavicles, commonly known as collarbones, connect the arms to the body and are not part of the rib structure. Vertebrae are the individual bones that make up the spinal column and provide support and protection for the spinal cord but do not relate directly to the rib cage or its function. Thus, ribs are the correct term for this anatomical reference.