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Is there any difference in male and female ribs?

Published in Human Anatomy 1 min read

Yes, there are differences in male and female ribs, particularly concerning the ribcage's size, shape, and orientation.

The primary distinctions lie in the overall dimensions and structure of the ribcage:

  • Size and Shape: The male ribcage is generally wider and shorter compared to the female ribcage.
  • Rib Orientation: Male ribs tend to be more horizontally oriented in the sagittal plane than female ribs. This contributes to the broader chest appearance often observed in males.

In summary, while both sexes possess the same number of ribs, the morphology of the ribcage differs between males and females, mainly in terms of width, length, and rib orientation.

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