How are human ribs numbered?
Jessica Wood
Updated on January 08, 2026
There are 12 pairs of ribs. The ribs are numbered 1–12 in accordance with the thoracic vertebrae.
Are ribs numbered from top to bottom?
Parts of ribEach rib consists of a head, neck, and a shaft. All ribs are attached posteriorly to the thoracic vertebrae. They are numbered to match the vertebrae they attach to – one to twelve, from top (T1) to bottom.