Thoracic vertebrae Flashcards
How many thoracic vertebrae are there?
12.
What do the last 2 thoracic vertebrae not have?
Transverse processes.
Why do the last 2 thoracic vertebrae not have transverse processes?
Because the ribs are floating.
What is the costotransverse joint?
Where the neck and tubercle of a given rib are united with a transverse process.
Where is the costatranverse joint located?
On the first 10 thoracic vertebrae.
What is the costovertebral joint?
Where to head of a rib is united with facets or demi facets on the vertebral body.
Where is the costovertebral joint located?
On all 12 thoracic vertebrae.
Why do the thoracic vertebrae have long spinous processes?
- For leverage.
- The spinous process will be at right angles with the pull of muscles + tendons.
- This allows limited rotation within the thoracic vertebrae.
What movements can occur at the thoracic vertebrae?
- Rotation.
- However, ribs prevent extreme rotation of thoracic vertebrae.