<P> The rib cage is an arrangement of bones in the thorax of all vertebrates except the lamprey and the frog . It is formed by the vertebral column , ribs , and sternum and encloses the heart and lungs . In humans , the rib cage , also known as the thoracic cage , is a bony and cartilaginous structure which surrounds the thoracic cavity and supports the pectoral girdle ( shoulder girdle ) , forming a core portion of the human skeleton . A typical human rib cage consists of 24 ribs , the sternum ( with xiphoid process ) , costal cartilages , and the 12 thoracic vertebrae . Together with the skin and associated fascia and muscles , the rib cage makes up the thoracic wall and provides attachments for the muscles of the neck , thorax , upper abdomen , and back . </P>
<P> The rib cage is an arrangement of bones in the thorax of all vertebrates except the lamprey and the frog . It is formed by the vertebral column , ribs , and sternum and encloses the heart and lungs . In humans , the rib cage , also known as the thoracic cage , is a bony and cartilaginous structure which surrounds the thoracic cavity and supports the pectoral girdle ( shoulder girdle ) , forming a core portion of the human skeleton . A typical human rib cage consists of 24 ribs , the sternum ( with xiphoid process ) , costal cartilages , and the 12 thoracic vertebrae . Together with the skin and associated fascia and muscles , the rib cage makes up the thoracic wall and provides attachments for the muscles of the neck , thorax , upper abdomen , and back . </P>
how many ribs are in the human body
how many ribs are in the human body
24
24