Question

The total number of ribs in the human body-
a. 10
b. 12
c. 24
d. 36

Answer 1

Hint: There are a total of 78 organs in the human body. Ribs form the protective cage of the thorax which consists of 12 bones. The vertebral column of ribs is articulated posteriorly and terminates anteriorly which is called cartilage (also named as costal cartilage). The thoracic organs are protected by the ribs.

Complete answer:
There are twelve pairs of ribs, and thus, the total number of ribs found in the human body is 24.

These are of 3 types:
- True Ribs: First 7 pairs of ribs are known as true ribs as they directly connect to the sternum.
- False Ribs: Another 3 pairs of ribs are known as false ribs as they connect to the costal cartilages of the rib and not directly attach to the sternum.
- Floating Ribs: Last 2 pairs of ribs (11-12) are known as Floating ribs as they connect only at the back.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C).

Additional information:
Supernumerary ribs occur in a very small fraction of the population. The last vertebra of the neck developed (the 7th cervical vertebra) above the normal first rib. They are referred to as cervical ribs, and pairs are developed. Some people may only have one cervical rib.

Functions of the ribs are:
- The vital organs found in the chest are protected by the ribs consisting of the heart, lungs, part of the liver, and spleen.
- In the chest, space is maintained by the ribs, so the lungs can easily expand and contract during the breathing process.
- A rib fracture is the most common injury to the rib cage.

Note: Mostly, cervical ribs do not cause any symptoms. However, the nerves and vessels of blood can press on and constrict, through which a condition can create called thoracic outlet syndrome. Supernumerary ribs can also grow out of the lumbar spine below rib 12, but this only develops in very few.