Osteology of the Thorax Flashcards
What is the joint between the vertebral body and head of the rib called?
Costovertebral joint
What is the joint between the transverse process of the vertebra and tubercles of the rib called?
Costotransverse joint
What is the joint between the distal end of the rib and the costal cartilage called?
Costochondral joint
What is the joint between the costal cartilage and sternum called?
Sternocostal joint
What type of joint are the costovertebral joints?
Synovial
What type of joint is a costochondral joint?
Synchondrosis
What type of joint is a sternocostal joint?
Synovial
Explain how the first 7 ribs articulate to facets on the vertebrae and how thoracic vertebrae articulate with each other
· Head of rib articulates with demifacet of superior and corresponding vertebrae
· Tubercle of rib articulates with facet on transverse process of corresponding vertebrae
· Superior and inferior articular facets of vertebrae articulate
· Intervertebral disc sits between two vertebral bodies
What 2 ligaments are found at costovertebral joints?
- Radiate ligament
2. Intra-articular ligament of head of the rib
What is the function of the radiate ligament?
Connects the head of the rib with the side of the bodies of two vertebrae
What is the function of the intra-articular ligament of head of the rib?
Connects the head of the rib and adjacent intervertebral disc
What 2 ligaments are found at sternocostal joints?
- Radiate sternocostal ligament
2. Intra-articular sternocostal ligament
What is the function of the radiate sternocostal ligament?
Connects the sternal end of the costal cartilage with the anterior part of the sternum
What is the function of the intra-articular sternocostal ligament?
Connect the tip of the 2nd costal cartilage and junction between manubrium and body of the sternum
What is the function of the costotransverse ligament
Short fibrous band which connects neck of the rib with anterior surface of transverse process of corresponding vertebra
What 2 joints are found between vertebrae?
- Intervertebral joint
2. Zygapophyseal joint
Describe an intervertebral joint
· Symphysis
· Composed of annulus fibrosis and nucleus pulposus
Describe a zygapophyseal joint
· Synovial Plane joint
· Between superior and inferior articular process of neighbouring vertebrae
Why are only the first 7 ribs considered true ribs?
They are attached to the sternum
What is the significance of the sternal angle?
The attachment of the 2nd rib occurs at this level
What 5 ribs are atypical?
1, 2, 10, 11, 12
Describe the atypical features of the first rib
· Shorter
· Only one facet
· Has two groves on superior surface for subclavian vessels
Describe the atypical features of the second rib
· Shorter and flatter than typical ribs
· Roughened area on upper surface, where serratus anterior is attached
Describe the atypical features of the tenth rib
· Only has one facet on its head
Describe the atypical features of the eleventh and twelfth ribs
· No neck or tubercles
· Only has one facet on its head
What thoracic vertebrae are considered typical?
2-8
What are the features of typical vertebrae?
· 2 demifacets on body
· Facet on transverse process
· Long oblique spine
· Small and circular vertebral foramen
What makes the 1st thoracic vertebra atypical?
· Full facet for first rib
What makes the 9th thoracic vertebra atypical?
· Lacks inferior demifacet
What makes the 10th thoracic vertebra atypical?
· Single facet
What makes the 11th and 12th thoracic vertebrae atypical?
· Single facet
· No costal facet
What 3 things make up the thoracic inlet?
- First rib
- 1st thoracic vertebra
- Jugular notch of manubrium
What 4 things make up the thoracic outlet?
- Xiphoid Process
- Ribs 11 and 12 posterolaterally
- Ribs 7-10 anterolaterally
- 12th thoracic vertebra
