How many ribs do people have

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 22:06:30 +0000

The human rib cage is a complex structure composed of 24 ribs, 12 on each side of the body. These ribs are attached to the vertebrae of the spine at the back and to the sternum, or breastbone, at the front. The ribs form a protective enclosure around the vital organs of the chest, including the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels.**Types of Ribs**Ribs are classified into three types based on their attachment to the sternum:* True ribs (ribs 1-7): These ribs are directly attached to the sternum by their own cartilage.* False ribs (ribs 8-10): These ribs are attached to the sternum indirectly through the cartilage of the rib above them.* Floating ribs (ribs 11-12): These ribs are not attached to the sternum at all and are only connected to the vertebrae at the back.**Function of Ribs**The ribs serve several important functions:* Protection: The rib cage provides protection for the vital organs in the chest from external trauma and injury.* Respiration: The ribs play a crucial role in breathing. They expand and contract during inhalation and exhalation, allowing the lungs to fill with air and release it.* Muscle attachment: Thribs provide attachment points for various muscles, including the intercostal muscles that are rponsible for breathing.* Bone marrow production: The bone marrow inside the ribs produces red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body.