Thoracic Vertebrae Flashcards

Examine thoracic vertebral anatomy, including costal facets, vertebral bodies, processes, rib articulations, regional variations, and movements.

Card 1 of 30Question

How many thoracic vertebrae are present in the normal human vertebral column?

Twelve thoracic vertebrae, designated T1 to T12.

In This Section

1. How many thoracic vertebrae are present in the normal human vertebral column?

Twelve thoracic vertebrae, designated T1 to T12.

2. Where are the thoracic vertebrae located?

Between the cervical and lumbar regions of the vertebral column.

3. What is the normal curvature of the thoracic vertebral column?

Thoracic kyphosis, a posteriorly convex curvature.

4. Which characteristic feature distinguishes thoracic vertebrae from cervical and lumbar vertebrae?

Costal facets for articulation with the ribs.

5. What is the typical shape of a thoracic vertebral body when viewed superiorly?

Approximately heart-shaped.

6. How does the size of thoracic vertebral bodies generally change from T1 to T12?

The vertebral bodies progressively increase in size inferiorly.

7. What is the typical shape of the thoracic vertebral foramen?

Relatively small and circular.

8. What is the typical shape and direction of thoracic spinous processes?

They are long, slender, and directed posteroinferiorly, especially in the middle thoracic region.

9. What are superior and inferior costal demifacets?

Partial articular facets on thoracic vertebral bodies for the heads of ribs.

10. Which thoracic vertebrae typically possess superior and inferior costal demifacets?

T2 to T9, with transitional variations at T1 and T10.

11. How does the head of a typical rib articulate with adjacent thoracic vertebral bodies?

It articulates with the inferior demifacet of the vertebra above and the superior demifacet of its corresponding vertebra.

12. Which thoracic vertebral structures articulate with the tubercles of typical ribs?

The transverse costal facets on the transverse processes.

13. Which thoracic vertebrae typically lack transverse costal facets?

T11 and T12.

14. Which anatomical feature of T1 provides articulation for the head of the first rib?

A complete superior costal facet on the body of T1.

15. What additional costal facet is usually present on the body of T1?

An inferior costal demifacet for part of the head of the second rib.

16. How does the costal articulation of T10 commonly differ from that of typical thoracic vertebrae?

T10 commonly has a single complete costal facet on each side for the tenth rib, although variations occur.

17. How do the costal facets of T11 and T12 differ from those of typical thoracic vertebrae?

Each usually has one complete costal facet on either side of its vertebral body.

18. Which thoracic vertebra is considered transitional between the thoracic and lumbar regions?

T12, which has both thoracic and lumbar morphological characteristics.

19. How are the superior articular facets of typical thoracic vertebrae generally oriented?

They face primarily posteriorly, with a slight lateral inclination.

20. How are the inferior articular facets of typical thoracic vertebrae generally oriented?

They face primarily anteriorly, with a slight medial inclination.

21. Which spinal movement is relatively favored by the orientation of typical thoracic facet joints?

Axial rotation.

22. Why is flexion and extension relatively limited in the middle thoracic region?

The overlapping spinous processes, rib cage, and facet orientation restrict movement.

23. What structures form the vertebral arch of a thoracic vertebra?

Two pedicles and two laminae.

24. What forms the boundaries of an intervertebral foramen between adjacent thoracic vertebrae?

Adjacent pedicles, the intervertebral disc and vertebral bodies anteriorly, and the facet joint posteriorly.

25. Which structures pass through the thoracic intervertebral foramina?

Spinal nerves and associated radicular vessels.

26. What type of synovial joint is formed between a rib head and thoracic vertebral bodies?

A plane synovial costovertebral joint.

27. What type of joint is formed between a rib tubercle and a thoracic transverse process?

A plane synovial costotransverse joint.

28. How do the thoracic vertebrae contribute to respiration?

Their articulations with the ribs permit rib movements that change thoracic cavity dimensions.

29. What is a thoracic vertebral compression fracture?

Collapse of part of a vertebral body, often producing anterior wedging and increased local kyphosis.

30. What is thoracic hyperkyphosis?

An excessive posterior convex curvature of the thoracic vertebral column.