Joints

Question 1

Name all joints of thoracic spine

Answer 1

> Intervertebral joints
> Facet joints
> Costovertebral joints 
> Costotransverse joints
> Costochondral joint 
> Interchondral joint (synovial plane)
> Sternocostal joints (1st = synchondrosis but rest = synovial plane)
> Sternoclavicular joint (synovial saddle)
> Manubriosternal (symphysis)
> Xiphisternal (symphysis)

Question 2

Intervertebral joints

Answer 2

> Symphysis
Bodies of vertebrae articulate
Hyaline end plates
Intervertebral disc (nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus)

Question 3

Facet joints

Answer 3

> Synovial plane joints (capsule + ligamentous support)

> Vertically inclined facets covered in articular cartilage (limit flexion + extension)

Question 4

Costovertebral joints

Answer 4

> Synovial plane joints

T2-9 = two bodies + disc to one rib head whereas T1, 10,11 + 12 = single body to one rib head

Question 5

Costotransverse joints

Answer 5

> Synovial plane joints

T1-T10 levels only as T11 + 12 are floating ribs

Question 6

Costochondral joints

Answer 6

> Synchondrosis (primary cartilaginous)

*any movement comes from cartilage not joint