Men and women have the same number of ribs in their bodies.

According to current medical experts, men and women (human beings) have 24 ribs; however, a very small number of people could be missing a set of ribs, and others may have an extra set. The myth that men have one less rib than women was likely created from the story of Adam and Eve in the Bible. Today, there is no uncertainty (it is absolutely clear) that men and women in fact have the same number of ribs in their bodies. All humans, regardless of gender, have 24 ribs with 12 on each side of the body. So, it is totally true that men and women have the same number of ribs in their bodies.

With the human body of both men and women, the top seven rib sets, called true ribs, are attached to the sternum in the middle of the chest, while the bottom set of ribs, called false ribs, are not directly connected to the sternum. The last two sets (eleventh and twelfth rib sets) are called floating ribs. They are attached to the vertebrae only.

The ribs in people provide vital protection to the heart and the lungs from impacts, and they are designed to expand and contract, making breathing easier.

Unlike humans, in some animals especially snakes, ribs provide support and protection for the entire body.