Thoracic vertebrae Flashcards
(9 cards)
What are typical thoracic vertebrae?
Typical thoracic vertebrae are from 2 - 8
What are the 5 features of typical thoracic vertebrae?
- inferior costal facet articulates with the head of the rib below
- superior costal facet articulates with the head if its own rib
- transverse costal facet articulates with the tubercle of its own rib
- superior articular process articulates with upper vertebrae
- inferior articular process articulates with lower vertebrae
Why is the 1st thoracic vertebra atypical?
Body resembles that of cervical vertebra
Superior costal facet articulates with head of first rib
inferior costal facet is a demi facet for 2nd rib
Why is the 10th thoracic vertebra atypical?
- It lacks inferior costal facet
What typical features does the 10th thoracic rib have?
it resembles a typical thoracic vertebra
it articulates with its own ribs therefore has a single complete superior costal facet
Why is the 11th thoracic vertebra atypical?
Its transverse process does not have an articular facet
NO inferior costal facet
What typical features does the 11th vertebra have?
It articulates only with heads of their own ribs - complete superior costal facet
Why is vertebra 9 atypical?
only superior costal demifacets are present
Why is vertebra 12 atypical?
There is a complete superior costal facet but it is on the pedicle
The spinous process is horizontal
