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How Many Ribs Do You Have?

Published in Human Anatomy 2 mins read

A typical human has 24 ribs, 12 on each side of the body. This is true for both men and women.

Rib Anatomy and Variations

  • Each rib connects to a spinal bone (thoracic vertebra) in the back.
  • The first seven pairs of ribs attach directly to the breastbone (sternum) in the front.
  • The next three pairs (8th, 9th, and 10th) connect to the ribs above them.
  • The bottom two pairs (11th and 12th), also known as floating ribs, are not attached to the sternum.

While 24 ribs is the most common number, variations exist due to genetic mutations. For example, some individuals may have a cervical rib, an extra rib located in the neck region. However, the vast majority of people possess the standard 24 ribs.

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