Do Males and Females Have the Same Number of Ribs?

By Staff WriterLast Updated December 11, 2023

According to WebMD, males and females both have 24 ribs; however, some people are missing a rib, and others 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.

WebMD reports the top seven ribs, called true ribs, are attached to the sternum in the middle of the chest, while the bottom ribs, called false ribs, are not directly connected to the sternum. The ribs provide vital protection to the heart and the lungs from impacts, and they are designed to expand and contract, making breathing easier.