How Many Ribs Do Men and Women Have?

By Staff WriterLast Updated April 07, 2020

Men and women have 12 pairs of ribs. Contrary to popular belief, men do not have fewer ribs. The rib cage is formed from these 24 ribs. The ribs in the center are slightly larger, while the sternum or the chest bone forms the central part of the rib cage.

There is a belief among some Christians that men have fewer ribs because the first woman, Eve, was created from the rib of Adam. This is based on the Holy Scriptures and has nothing to do with scientific facts.

One look at the human skeleton is enough to ascertain this fact, as male and female skeletons have an identical appearance. The ribs are in the same place and contain the same number.