Week 3 - Thoracic Spine

Question 1

What are the atypical thoracic vertebrae and why?

Answer 1

T1 - articulates with a single facet of it’s own rib
T10/11 - lack inferior demi-facets on their bodies
T11/12 - lack transverse costal facets, articulating only with the head of their own ribs

Question 2

Describe the thoracic rule of 3

Answer 2

T123 - SP and TP equal height
T456 - SP half a level below TP
T789 - SP 1 level below TP
T10 - SP 1 level blow TP
T11 - SP half a level below TP
T12 - SP and TP equal

Question 3

How many pairs of true ribs, false ribs and floating ribs are there?

Answer 3

True - first 7
False - remaining 5 pairs
Floating ribs - ribs 11 and 12

Question 4

Which are the typical ribs?

Answer 4

3-9

Question 5

Describe the structure of a typical rib

Answer 5

Head, with crest, has 2 demi-facets to articulate with demi-facets of 2 vertebae
Tubercle with an articular and non-articular area; articular area where rib articulates with TP of own verterbrae
Costochondral junction - primary cartilaginous

Question 6

What is unique about the first rib?

Answer 6

Marking of insertion of anterior and middle scalene
Marking on the superior aspect for subclavian vein and artery
Flat, slopes inferiorly
Attaches to manubrium

Question 7

What are the distinct features of rib 2

Answer 7

Like rib 1 but twice as long

Question 8

What are the contents of the intercostal space?

Answer 8

Intercostal arteries and veins
Intercostal nerve (between Internal and innermost intercostal muscles)

Question 9

Classify the sternocostal joints

Answer 9

First rib - primary cartilaginous junction

Ribs 2-7 - synovial plane joints

Question 10

Classify the costovertebral joint and give articular surfaces

Answer 10

Plane synovial; head of rib and costal facet on vertebral body

Question 11

Classify the costotransverse joint and give articular surfaces

Answer 11

Tubercle of rib with TP of vertebrae, plane synovial joints

Question 12

Classify the costochondral joints

Answer 12

primary cartilaginous/ synchondrosis

Question 13

Classify the interchondral joints

Answer 13

Synovial plane; between the costal cartilages of last few ribs

Question 14

Name and classify the joints of the sternum

Answer 14

Sternoclavicular - synovial saddle
Manubriosternal - symphysis
Xiphisternal - symphysis

Question 15

Describe the movements available at the thoracic spine

Answer 15

Rotation greatest range

Flexion and lateral flexion but more restricted