Do You Have a Secret Rib?

Is your neck hiding an extra rib? Alex Dainis explains that about 1 in 200 people are born with a cervical rib—a rare, extra rib that forms just above the first rib and extends from the neck. It’s the result of a variation in Hox genes, which normally guide our bodies to form in precise, repeating patterns. Most of the time, everything goes according to plan. But sometimes, those genetic instructions lead to surprising variations.

Cervical ribs are often harmless and go unnoticed. Some people may feel a firm bump above the collarbone, while others might experience discomfort if the rib presses on nearby nerves or blood vessels. Whether you notice it or not, it’s a fascinating glimpse into the lasting effects of evolution on the human body.