How many total ribs does a typical human have?

A typical human has a total of 24 ribs. This is because there are 12 pairs of ribs in the human body, with each pair consisting of one rib on the left side and one on the right side. The ribs are categorized into three types: true ribs, false ribs, and floating ribs. The true ribs (the first seven pairs) attach directly to the sternum, while the next three pairs (false ribs) connect indirectly through cartilage. The last two pairs of ribs are considered floating ribs as they do not attach to the sternum at all. Understanding this anatomy is essential in fields like athletic training, where knowledge about the skeletal system helps in assessing injuries and designing appropriate rehabilitation programs for athletes.