There is a myth that men have one less rib than women. This myth may have its origins in the biblical story of Adam and Eve, when Eve was formed from one of Adam’s ribs. However, religious leaders of any denomination do not endorse this belief. A majority of people are born with twelve pairs of ribs. It’s possible to have too many or too few ribs, depending on genetics.
Causes of changes in rib count:
Vertebral rib
Some people are born with one or two extra ribs between the base of the neck and the collarbone due to a genetic abnormality known as cervical rib.
One additional rib may be present on either side or both sides of a person born with this disease. These ribs could either be completely developed bones or tissue fiber strands devoid of any bone.
Any sex might be impacted by the ailment known as cervical rib.
Many persons who have this ailment are unaware that they have it because they don’t exhibit any symptoms. Others report discomfort from the cervical rib pressing against blood vessels or nerve endings, such as neck pain or numbness.
Thoracic outlet syndrome, a disorder, may be brought on by a cervical rib (TOS). TOS may afflict more men than women and often manifests in adulthood. Not all people with cervical ribs go on to get TOS.
What kind of care is given for rib abnormalities?
Rib anomalies don’t need to be treated unless they result in complications like pain, breathing difficulties, or irregular growth patterns.
Before your baby is born, an ultrasound may detect some rib defects. Others could emerge postpartum if your kid has a smaller chest or exhibits breathing difficulties. If so, respiratory support will be the main emphasis of the treatment.
With the help of a surgical tool known as a vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib, missing ribs can occasionally be replaced (VEPTR). The size of VEPTRs can be changed as your child develops.
Scoliosis and other spinal conditions can be addressed surgically or with a brace.
Watchful waiting could be sufficient if there are no issues with walking, breathing, or posture.
Adults with cervical ribs may need to have an extra rib or ribs surgically removed if they begin to exhibit symptoms of TOS.
Pain under the right rib cage is usually not serious, but it’s best to visit a doctor if you feel intense pain in that area. If the pain persists, it could indicate a serious underlying problem that requires medical treatment. A doctor can diagnose a heart condition if the pain is coming from this area. A doctor can also tell you whether there is a problem with the heart or the kidneys.
The rib cage is a bony structure in the chest made up of twelve pairs of ribs. They attach to the sternum, a bony process at the front of the rib cage, which serves as a anchor point. Each individual rib has five parts: the cartilage on the end and the sternum. The numbering of ribs is determined by where they attach to the sternum.
Unlike the sternum, the rib cage is relatively flexible and can expand and contract in response to the breathing movements of a person. While most of the ribs remain flexible throughout life, the xiphoid process, the bottom tip of the sternum, becomes harder as a person ages. The bones within the ribcage are susceptible to bruising and breaking.
Although the Bible does not specify how many ribs a man should have, it does explain why God took one rib from Adam. The Bible does not say that the ribs were genetically transmitted, and Adam’s ribs were not left behind. Consequently, this inference is false. The biblical account suggests that God did not deliberately leave Adam with one rib less than Eve, and that he had more than one rib compared to Eve.
When comparing a man’s rib size to a woman, women should remember that men are more likely to have more ribs than men do. Men have more ribs than women, but women are more likely to be the ones who are more prone to rib injuries. In fact, women are more likely to get hurt by falls than men. A man’s ribs are often injured during falls and motor vehicle crashes.
