Most humans have 24 ribs, 12 on each side of the body. This is true for both men and women, contrary to a common misconception.
While 24 ribs are typical, there are some exceptions. These may include specific genetic mutations, such as having a cervical rib.
The rib cage is an important part of the human body, protecting vital organs like the heart and lungs. It's made up of 12 pairs of ribs, each of which is a thin, flat bone attached to the spinal column dorsally and the sternum ventrally.
The first seven pairs of ribs are called true ribs because they connect directly to the sternum via individual costal cartilages. The next three pairs are called false ribs because their costal cartilages connect to the cartilage of the rib above them. The last two pairs are called floating ribs because they only attach to the spinal column and don't connect to the sternum.
