Men generally have wider rib cages due to the influence of testosterone during puberty, which expands the rib cage to increase lung capacity.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
The Role of Testosterone
During puberty, males experience a surge in testosterone. This hormone has several effects on the body, including:
- Bone Growth: Testosterone stimulates bone growth, particularly in the rib cage.
- Muscle Development: It also promotes muscle development, including the muscles associated with breathing.
Rib Cage Expansion
The combined effect of testosterone leads to an expansion of the rib cage in males. This expansion serves a vital purpose:
- Increased Lung Capacity: A larger rib cage allows for larger lungs.
- Enhanced Oxygen Supply: Larger lungs allow for greater oxygen intake with each breath. This is crucial for supplying the muscles with the oxygen they need, especially considering that men typically have greater muscle mass than women.
Expansion of the rib cage in males is caused by the effects of testosterone during puberty. Thus, males generally have broad shoulders and expanded chests, allowing them to inhale more air to supply their muscles with oxygen. (via Rib cage - Wikipedia)
Functional Advantage
The wider rib cage and increased lung capacity provide a functional advantage for males. The larger chest allows men to inhale more air, delivering more oxygen to their muscles.
Summary Table
| Feature | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Hormone Influence | Testosterone | Estrogen |
| Rib Cage | Wider, expanded | Relatively narrower |
| Lung Capacity | Larger | Smaller |
| Oxygen Supply | Greater, supports larger muscle mass | Sufficient for generally lower muscle mass |
