How many pairs of ribs are in the human body?

There are 12 pairs of ribs in the human body, which totals 24 individual ribs. These ribs are categorized into three groups: true ribs, false ribs, and floating ribs. The first seven pairs are considered true ribs, as they are directly attached to the sternum. The following three pairs are false ribs, which are not directly attached to the sternum but are connected to the seventh rib via costal cartilage. The last two pairs are known as floating ribs because they do not attach to the sternum at all. This organization plays a critical role in protecting vital organs within the thoracic cavity, such as the heart and lungs, and facilitates respiratory mechanics. Understanding the structure and classification of ribs is fundamental in anatomy as it highlights the body's design for protection and functional movement.