How many ribs are present in the rib cage?

The human rib cage typically consists of 12 pairs of ribs, totaling 24 individual ribs. Each rib attaches at the back to the thoracic vertebrae and, with the exception of a few, connects to the sternum at the front through costal cartilage. This structure plays a crucial role in protecting vital organs such as the heart and lungs, while also providing support for the upper body.

The other options do not accurately reflect the standard anatomical count of ribs in the rib cage. Specifically, having 10, 14, or 16 ribs does not align with human anatomy as it is universally recognized that there are 12 pairs. Therefore, the choice of 12 pairs is accurate and widely accepted in the field of human anatomy, making it the correct answer.