Thorax Osteology

Question 1

What is the typical number of thoracic vertebrae?

Answer 1

12

Question 2

What is the primary characteristic of thoracic vertebrae?

Answer 2

Presence of costal facets for articulation with ribs

Question 3

Which part of the thoracic vertebrae articulates with the head of the rib?

Answer 3

Costal facets on the vertebral body

Question 4

Where are the costal facets located on thoracic vertebrae for tubercle of the rib?

Answer 4

On the transverse processes

Question 5

What is the shape of the thoracic vertebral body?

Answer 5

Heart-shaped

Question 6

How do the spinous processes of thoracic vertebrae typically project?

Answer 6

Long and project inferiorly, overlapping the vertebra below

Question 7

Which thoracic vertebrae have atypical features?

Answer 7

T1, T9-T12

Question 8

Why is T1 considered atypical?

Answer 8

It has a complete costal facet for the 1st rib and a demifacet for the 2nd rib

Question 9

What is unique about T9?

Answer 9

It may lack a demifacet for the 10th rib

Question 10

What is unique about T10-T12?

Answer 10

They have a single complete costal facet on their bodies (no demifacets)

Question 11

What is the orientation of the articular processes in thoracic vertebrae?

Answer 11

Coronal plane, allowing for rotation but limiting flexion/extension

Question 12

What is the function of the superior and inferior costal facets?

Answer 12

Articulate with the heads of ribs

Question 13

What is the clinical significance of the T4 vertebral level?

Answer 13

Level of the sternal angle (angle of Louis), important for anatomical landmarks

Question 14

What is the vertebral level of the inferior angle of the scapula?

Answer 14

T7

Question 15

What is the significance of the T12 vertebra?

Answer 15

Transitional vertebra with features of both thoracic and lumbar vertebrae

Question 16

What is the name of the joint between the rib and the thoracic vertebral body?

Answer 16

Costovertebral joint

Question 17

What is the name of the joint between the rib and the transverse process of the thoracic vertebra?

Answer 17

Costotransverse joint

Question 18

What is the role of the intervertebral discs in the thoracic region?

Answer 18

Provide cushioning and allow for limited movement

Question 19

What is the kyphotic curvature of the thoracic spine?

Answer 19

A posterior convex curvature, typical of the thoracic region

Question 20

What is the significance of the T7-T9 vertebrae in relation to the diaphragm?

Answer 20

They are at the level where the diaphragm attaches to the lower ribs

Question 21

What is another name for the Angle of Louis?

Answer 21

Sternal Angle

Question 22

The sternal angle is formed by the articulation of which two structures?

Answer 22

Manubrium and body of the sternum

Question 23

At which vertebral level is the sternal angle located?

Answer 23

T4-T5

Question 24

Which rib articulates at the sternal angle?

Answer 24

2nd rib

Question 25

What important cardiovascular structure begins and ends at the sternal angle?

Answer 25

Arch of the aorta

Question 26

The bifurcation of which airway structure occurs at the sternal angle?

Answer 26

Trachea (into right and left bronchi)

Question 27

Which venous structure begins at the sternal angle?

Answer 27

Azygos vein drains into the superior vena cava

Question 28

Which heart valve lies closest to the sternal angle?

Answer 28

Pulmonary valve

Question 29

Which structure marks the transition from ascending aorta to the aortic arch?

Answer 29

Sternal angle (T4-T5 level)

Question 30

Which plane is defined by the sternal angle and divides the mediastinum?

Answer 30

Transverse thoracic plane

Question 32

What are the three parts of the sternum?

Answer 32

Manubrium, body, xiphoid process

Question 33

Which structure articulates with the clavicle at the sternum?

Answer 33

Manubrium (at the sternoclavicular joint)

Question 34

Which ribs articulate with the manubrium?

Answer 34

1st rib (directly), 2nd rib (at the sternal angle)

Question 35

Which ribs articulate directly with the body of the sternum?

Answer 35

Ribs 3-6

Question 36

What landmark is present at the lower end of the sternum?

Answer 36

Xiphoid process

Question 37

At which vertebral level is the xiphoid process located?

Answer 37

T9-T10

Question 38

What is the clinical significance of the xiphoid process?

Answer 38

Used as a landmark for CPR hand placement

Question 39

Which condition results from incomplete fusion of the sternum during development?

Answer 39

Sternal cleft or pectus excavatum

Question 40

Which bone marrow procedure involves the sternum?

Answer 40

Sternal bone marrow aspiration (sternal puncture)

Question 41

Which important anatomical plane runs through the sternum?

Answer 41

Median sagittal plane