The human body typically has 24 ribs. There are 12 pairs of ribs, with each pair connected to the spine.
- True ribs: The first seven pairs are called "true ribs" because they are directly attached to the breastbone (sternum) via costal cartilage.
- False ribs: The next three pairs are called "false ribs" because they attach indirectly to the sternum, connecting to the cartilage of the rib above them.
- Floating ribs: The last two pairs are called "floating ribs" because they are not connected to the sternum at all.
There is no evidence to suggest that women have more ribs than men.
