The human rib cage comprises 12 pairs of ribs, counting equally in both men and women. These curved bones extend from the spine to the breastbone, forming a protective framework around the vital organs in the chest, including the heart and lungs.
Understanding the structure and function of ribs plays a significant role in medical fields, aiding the diagnosis and treatment of various thoracic conditions. Accurate knowledge of rib count is crucial for administering CPR and performing surgical procedures involving the chest cavity. Historically, studies on rib anatomy have contributed to our comprehension of human skeletal development and evolutionary biology.
