How to count ribs in chest x ray?

To count ribs in a chest X-ray, follow these steps:

Start by locating the thoracic vertebrae. The thoracic vertebrae are the bones that make up the spine in the chest area. They are numbered T1 through T12.

The first rib attaches to the T1 vertebra. Count down the vertebrae until you reach the T12 vertebra.

The last rib attaches to the T12 vertebra. Count up the ribs until you reach the first rib.

The total number of ribs you counted should be 12.