Chest · Flat bone
Ribs
The ribs are the 24 curved bones (12 pairs) that form the cage around the chest. They protect the heart and lungs and move with breathing. Rib fractures are common and usually heal on their own.
What it is
The ribs are twelve pairs of curved, flat bones that sweep from the spine around to the front of the chest, most joining the breastbone via cartilage to form the rib cage.
Where it is
Around the chest, attached to the thoracic spine at the back and (for most) to the sternum at the front.
What it does
Protect the heart, lungs and other chest organs, and move up and out during breathing to help the lungs expand.
Connections
Joints and connections
- Joints with the thoracic vertebrae (spine)
- Joints with the sternum (via cartilage)
When things go wrong
Common injuries and conditions
- Rib fracture (common, usually from a fall or blow; painful but often heals without surgery)
- Costochondritis
Education and reference only. This explains the anatomy in plain terms; it is not a diagnosis. A severe injury, a visibly deformed limb, or the inability to move or bear weight needs urgent assessment — call 999 or go to A&E for a serious injury.
Did you know?
An interesting fact
The lower two pairs of ribs are called "floating ribs" because they do not attach to the breastbone at the front.
Answers
Ribs: frequently asked questions
How many ribs do humans have?
Most people have 24 ribs — 12 pairs. Occasionally someone has an extra "cervical rib" near the neck, which is a normal variation.
How is a broken rib treated?
Most rib fractures heal on their own over several weeks with pain relief and gentle breathing exercises. Severe injuries, breathing difficulty, or multiple broken ribs need urgent medical assessment.
Explore the chest
Related bones
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Anatomy and body systems
- Gray's Anatomy for Students (Drake, Vogl, Mitchell)
- TeachMeAnatomy — skeletal system
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