The correct answer is: C. Both a & b
The thoracic cage is a bony structure that protects the lungs and heart. It is made up of the ribs, sternum, and thoracic vertebrae. The ribs are 12 pairs of curved bones that attach to the spine in the back and to the sternum in the front. The sternum is a long, flat bone that forms the center of the chest. The thoracic vertebrae are 12 pairs of bones that make up the middle section of the spine.
The lungs are two spongy organs that are located in the upper part of the thoracic cavity. They are responsible for exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide with the blood. The heart is a muscular organ that is located in the lower part of the thoracic cavity. It is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body.
The thoracic cage protects the lungs and heart from injury. It also helps to keep the lungs inflated and the heart beating properly.