No, boys are not missing a rib. The vast majority of people, regardless of sex, have the same number of ribs.
Number of Ribs in Humans
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Typical Number | Most people have 12 sets of ribs, totaling 24 ribs. |
| Variation | Some people are born with conditions that result in more or fewer ribs. |
| Myth Regarding Sex | The idea that men have one fewer rib than women stems from the Adam and Eve story, but it is not true. |
The biblical story of Adam and Eve has contributed to the misconception that men have fewer ribs. However, biologically, this is incorrect. According to the reference, the vast majority of people have 12 sets, or 24 ribs, no matter their sex.
