The ribs are the main component of the chest; they are located symmetrically relative to the spine. The school biology course examines in detail the structure and number of these bones, but knowledge is forgotten, and adults often ask questions: how many ribs does a person have, and is their number different in men and women?
Number of pairs of ribs
The total number of pairs of bone structures and the structure of the musculoskeletal system are determined at the genetic level. All information is contained in genes, which are located on chromosomes and are passed on from parents to children. Information about the number has historically been conflicting. This is due to the fact that in the Middle Ages, knowledge about human anatomy was limited. People were guided by the Testament, which said that “God created woman from the rib of man.” In this regard, for a long time it was mistakenly believed that men have 1 less bone than women. Modern science reliably states that the number of ribs in men and women is equal.
During intrauterine development, 29 pairs are laid. Of these, 12 pairs (24 ribs) undergo maturation, and the remaining structures are reduced into processes of the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. The number of structures is a constant indicator and does not change depending on the gender or age of a person.
Number of ribs in a person
The skeleton of an adult man and woman is no different in structure. Both the male and female bodies have the same number of ribs, namely 24. However, there are exceptions.
Initially, the embryo develops 29 pairs of ribs. As the fetus grows, only 12 pairs form the chest frame, the rest disappear during the formation of the skeleton. But with developmental disorders, an additional pair of bone plates appears, which are formed at the level of the 7th or 8th cervical vertebrae, and sometimes only 1 rudimentary rib appears at this place. Such bone processes partially fuse with 1 pair of thoracic ribs, change the anatomy of the neck and in 10% of cases cause severe harm to human health.
Usually, there are no extra bone plates sticking out, and you won’t be able to count your breast bones to identify additional ones. They are only detected by chest x-ray. This pathology occurs in approximately 0.5% of the planet's inhabitants and is usually characteristic of women.
Today, operations to remove the 12th pair of bones to form a thin waist are popular. After such an operation, only 11 pairs of breast bones remain in a woman’s body.
Structure and function of ribs
The ribs are flat bones and are curved osteochondral plates. They are about 1 cm wide and 5 mm thick. The bony part of the rib is divided into 3 sections:
- The head is the part by which the rib can be attached to the corresponding depression of the spine, forming a base joint from where the bone structure begins.
- The body is the main part of the bone, which has a flattened, curved shape; it can form the lateral surface of the chest, which has a top and a bottom. Vessels and nerve fibers pass along the inner surface from below. The bone structure is located perpendicular to the spinal column.
- The neck is a small part that immovably connects the head and body of the bone.
To determine the shortest overall length of a bone, look up. It then increases downward. The last two ribs are shorter than the previous ones, which is due to the absence of the cartilaginous part. In most components, the bony part passes into a cartilaginous structure, with the help of which it can be connected to the sternum in front. Cartilage performs the function of attachment. Each pair is numbered from top to bottom. The ribs are different, depending on their attachment to the sternum or spine in the chest there are 3 types:
- The true ones are the first 7 pairs; their head is attached to the thoracic spine, and the cartilaginous part is attached to the sternum.
- False - 8, 9 and 10 pairs of ribs, which in front, with the help of cartilage, are attached to the overlying pair, and not to the sternum.
- Free or floating - the 11th and 12th pair of ribs may differ from other structures in that only the head is attached to the thoracic spine, and there is no attachment in front. They are freely located in the thickness of soft tissues.
The ribs protect the vital organs located in the chest.
The ribs are involved in the formation of the skeleton of the thoracic cavity; they perform several important biological functions:
- Protection of internal vital organs that are located inside the chest. These include the heart, large vessels, nerve trunks, lymph nodes and ducts, lungs and respiratory tract.
- Formation of a framework for the attachment of muscles, ligaments, tendons and fascia.
- Passive participation in breathing - during contraction of the intercostal striated muscles, the ribs shift and the chest increases in volume. At the same time, the lungs expand and the alveoli fill with air. Gas exchange with blood occurs in them.
The importance of the biological role of the ribs is noticeable when the integrity of several bone structures is violated. Displacement of fragments can cause damage to the lungs, pleura, and heart, which can pose a direct threat to human life.
Where are the ribs?
The ribs are located in the upper part of the body and, together with the thoracic spine at the back and the sternum at the front, form the rib cage, inside which vital internal organs are located.
The chest is adjacent, first of all, to the lungs. It is this paired organ that occupies almost its entire volume. Also located in the chest are the heart, thymus gland, diaphragm and the most important blood arteries.
Could there be fewer ribs?
Some women remove 11 and 12 pairs of ribs to get a wasp waist.
At the genetic level, each person should have the same number of ribs. The number of bone structures after birth is influenced by certain factors. A downward change in quantity is always the result of an anomaly, which has a different origin:
- A hereditary disorder in which altered genes responsible for quantity are passed from parents to children.
- A mutation that occurs in the genome of cells during intrauterine development - the most critical period is the first trimester of pregnancy. Exposure to ionizing radiation, certain chemical compounds, including drugs, and infectious processes causes various developmental defects. Some of them may be incompatible with fetal life.
- Complete (amputation) or partial (resection) removal of a rib, which is performed after severe trauma, for the radical treatment of certain pathological conditions, including the development of malignant neoplasms.
There is a cosmetic surgery in which a woman’s lower 2 pairs of floating ribs (11-12 pairs) are completely removed, which allows her to give the necessary shape to her waist. Clinicians believe that such an operation can actually be harmful, since the functional state of the structures of the musculoskeletal system of the chest is disrupted. This in turn has a negative impact on the functioning of vital organs, including the heart, lungs and large nerve trunks.
A decrease in the number of ribs in a woman or man can always be considered a pathological condition. It affects the functioning of the chest organs, so surgical interventions aimed at wall plastic surgery are often required.
What diseases are associated with ribs?
Damage to the ribs and other bones of the chest is not a rare occurrence and can occur in various somatic and infectious diseases. The most common of them:
- split;
- chondritis, osteomyelitis;
- syphilis, tuberculosis;
- echinococcosis, actinomycosis, candidiasis;
- Tietz's disease;
- coarctation of the aorta, rickets;
- malignant tumors.
Structural anomalies
Split ribs are understood as a congenital structural anomaly, which rarely causes any complaints and is an x-ray finding. There are also additional and fused ribs, or their absence is possible.
Clinical signs appear in the presence of a cervical rib on one or both sides, which is attached to the transverse process of the 6th cervical vertebra. In this case, neurological symptoms most often appear: headache, dizziness, fainting, etc.
Much less common are congenital bone islands, which sometimes have to be distinguished from metastases and calcifications.
Osteomyelitis and chondritis of the ribs
Osteomyelitis is a purulent infectious inflammation of the bones, which mainly spreads hematogenously (through the bloodstream). It most often occurs in children after injuries and affects the first three pairs of ribs. The patient experiences severe chest pain and severe intoxication syndrome:
- high fever;
- chills;
- weakness, sweating;
- paleness of the skin.
Chondritis is understood as an acute purulent process in which the cartilaginous parts of the bones are involved. Pathology occurs rarely after surgical interventions. In the absence of treatment (detoxification therapy, use of systemic antibiotics), fistulas with purulent discharge may appear.
Tuberculosis and syphilis
Tuberculosis of the ribs is a specific inflammation of the bones, which is a consequence of dissemination (spread) from the lung tissue. When the ribs are affected, swelling, local pain and the formation of fistulas occur. As the tuberculosis process progresses, cysts and foci of destruction appear in the bones.
Syphilitic damage to these bones is extremely rare and is manifested by the appearance of swelling on the ribs, which periodically cause pain. Both pathologies are confirmed x-ray, using bacteriological tests for acid-fast bacteria and antibodies to Treponema pallidum.
Parasitic and fungal pathologies
When actinomycosis spreads to the structures of the chest, the edges of the ribs become deformed, and signs of periostitis appear - inflammation of the periosteum. This causes discomfort and pain in the upper torso.
Echinococcal (parasitic) cysts can occur in the area of the ribs, causing their deformation and local compaction. They are detected by computed tomography and pose a threat of rupture with the release of parasites and their metabolic products into the chest cavity.
Tietz disease
It is also called thoracochondralgia. The pathology is characterized by the appearance of spindle-shaped compactions on the first 6 ribs in the area of their cartilaginous ends. The main complaint of such patients is pain, which may be aggravated by coughing, deep breathing and shortness of breath.
Less common are isolated swellings without pain. The diagnosis is made clinically, treatment is carried out using hormonal drugs and painkillers.
Rickets and coarctation of the aorta
In the first case, there is a metabolic disease, which is based on vitamin D deficiency. In addition to pathological changes in the lower extremities, skull, sweating, specific changes in the peripheral blood (lack of calcium and phosphorus) in asthenic children, the doctor can palpate the costal rosary - compactions in the place of transition of the bone part into the cartilaginous part.
Coarctation of the aorta is a congenital abnormality of the largest vessel leaving the heart, which is characterized by narrowing of the descending aorta. The lower edge of the ribs becomes uneven due to the pressure of tortuous and overly dilated arteries.
Malignant neoplasms
Malignant lesions of the ribs also occur. It may be a primary disease or a consequence of a metastatic process. There are osteomas, osteosarcomas, and osteoblastomas. The diagnostic criterion for the terminal stage of osteosarcoma of any localization is the appearance of usurations (depressions) on the ribs.
The pathology is characterized by a variety of symptoms: pain, weakness, pathological fractures, fever.
What is Adam's rib syndrome
Adam's rib syndrome is an abnormality in the number of bone structures in which after birth a girl has 1 more rib than a boy. Christians believe that this is due to the fact that “God created woman from the rib of man.” Science has proven that the anomaly appears due to mutations in certain genes that are localized in the female sex chromosomes, so the “extra” 13th rib is more common in girls. In the male body, the anomaly is very rare.
In most cases, Adam's rib syndrome in children and adults does not manifest itself clinically. A change in the number of bone structures can be found by chance after fluorography or chest x-ray to diagnose other pathological processes. Sometimes Adam's rib syndrome leads to disruption of the functional state of the structures of the musculoskeletal system and chest organs, which manifests itself in newborn girls, as well as in children under one year of age. In this case, surgical removal of the “extra” rib is prescribed.
Rib cage
In the anatomy of the chest, in addition to the ribs, there is a sternum, a flat bone that is shaped like a dagger, and the thoracic vertebrae. The sternum itself consists of the manubrium, body and xiphoid process. The latter structure may be bifurcated, have a hole, or be tilted to the side; many scientists consider it a vestige.
The structure of the chest is shown in the photo. Inside the sternum there is a significant amount of spongy substance, red bone marrow and blood vessels. Where a person’s 8th rib is located, the thoracic aperture (expanded part) begins.
There are three main types of chest:
- Normosthenic. The chest has the shape of a truncated cone, the ribs are angled, and the angle between the xiphoid process and the costal arch is 90°.
- Hypersthenic. The shape of the chest is cylindrical, the ribs run more horizontally, and the angle is greater than 90°.
- Asthenic. It is characterized by the fact that the chest has the appearance of a flat, elongated cone with wide intercostal spaces.
Pathologies of the ribs
Osteoporosis is a progressive disease that is characterized by a decrease in bone strength.
Ribs belong to the structures of the human musculoskeletal system. They, like any other organ, are subject to the negative influence of various factors, which leads to the development of corresponding diseases. The most common pathological processes include:
- Previous injuries with a fracture - if one bone is broken, nearby structures act as a “splint”. They prevent displacement and promote healing by primary intention. If the integrity of several ribs is violated, the likelihood of displacement of bone fragments, improper fusion with the formation of callus, deformation of the chest and disruption of the functional state of organs increases.
- Osteoporosis is a decrease in the strength of bone tissue, which can affect the ribs, caused by a decrease in the concentration of mineral salts in the intercellular matrix. The condition leads to pain of varying severity, as well as pathological fractures that appear without excessive mechanical impact.
Perichondritis leads to the formation of pathological fractures - Congenital anomalies, which can be the result of various reasons, include changes in the number of bone structures, shape, and size. In this case, a protruding rib in a child is often recorded.
- Perichondritis is an inflammatory process localized in the cartilaginous part. It often leads to pain and the development of pathological fractures.
- An oncological process accompanied by the formation of a benign or malignant neoplasm in bone structures. Sometimes metastases, which are daughter tumors, can form in the ribs.
- Intercostal myalgia and neuralgia are aseptic inflammation of the intercostal muscles and peripheral nerves of the corresponding localization. Pathology often develops after local hypothermia. It is accompanied by severe pain, which intensifies when trying to take a deep breath or exhale.
All pathological processes that affect the ribs to varying degrees are manifested by pain, breathing problems, as well as the functional state of the chest organs.
Why you need to protect your ribs
While learning how and where ribs are counted, you need to learn about the possible lawsuits they may be subject to.
Accidents can cause several important bones to break.
Here's what you need to know:
- A fracture can cause damage to internal organs, as bone tissue can penetrate into the cavity of the internal organs.
- Older people are especially susceptible to bone fractures. With age, tissue strength decreases.
- Chipped bone tissue can damage the pleura, which can cause breathing problems.
- When bones are injured, the tightness of the lungs may be compromised.
- In adulthood, osteoporosis can affect the ribs. At the same time, the amount of calcium is greatly reduced, which contributes to bone fragility.
- A tumor may form.
Cosmetic surgeries, for example to reduce waist size, can also cause harm.
In this case, the lower ribs are removed and the waist becomes thinner, but often after such a procedure problems may arise with the functioning of the internal organs.
Diagnosis and treatment
X-ray of the chest
When clinical symptoms appear, it is necessary to carry out a reliable diagnosis to determine the cause, nature and localization of changes. An X-ray examination is prescribed, which makes it possible to visualize the bone structures of the chest.
Violations can be treated based on the results of the study. Therapeutic measures are aimed at eliminating the cause that led to the abnormality in the quantity and appearance of pain. Drugs are also prescribed to restore the functional state of the chest organs. If necessary, surgical intervention is performed, which is aimed at restoring the anatomical relationship of the structures of the musculoskeletal system or their number. Before using medications or performing surgery, the attending physician must ensure that there are no contraindications.
Structures can be counted by palpating. The count is carried out from the uppermost bone structure, which is located under the collarbone. A more accurate calculation is possible on an x-ray after an appropriate study. The image will show not only the number of bones, but also their shape, condition, and the possible presence of pathological formations.
Which doctors should I contact to examine my ribs?
With primary complaints, patients should contact a pediatrician or therapist, who will refer for consultation to other specialists if necessary. It can be:
- neurologist;
- cardiologist;
- surgeon, traumatologist;
- rheumatologist, etc.
Treatment of rib fractures
For uncomplicated fractures, treatment consists of applying a special non-pressure bandage, using analgesics and regular examination. The presence of complex fractures with displacement, wandering fragments or complications forces one to resort to surgical treatment for open reposition of bones and relief of emergency conditions.
Where it is stated that a woman has more ribs
The story of the first people - Adam and Eve - is described in the Bible, in the Old Testament. After God created the Earth, he decided to populate it with living beings. First he created a man, Adam. Then he thought that it was not good for man to be alone and Adam needed to create a helper. And then he created a mate for him - a wife. To do this, God borrowed one rib from Adam.
There is an opinion that in the Bible, Adam's rib actually means something else.
Based on this, some believers claim that men have fewer ribs than women. It is worth noting that the Koran describes a similar story about the origin of man, so Muslims often also believe in this fact.