How many pairs of ribs are present in the human body?

The human body contains 12 pairs of ribs, making a total of 24 ribs. These ribs are categorized into true ribs, false ribs, and floating ribs. The first seven pairs are considered true ribs because they attach directly to the sternum via costal cartilage. The next three pairs are classified as false ribs, which do not attach directly to the sternum; instead, they are connected to the seventh rib through cartilage. The last two pairs are floating ribs, which are not attached to the sternum at all. Understanding the structure and function of ribs is crucial in fields like anatomy and medicine, as they play a vital role in protecting the thoracic cavity and supporting respiration.