Spinal Exam 2: Section VI - Thoracic or Dorsal Region Flashcards
Which thoracic segments are considered the typical throacics?
T2-T8 segments
What features will allow discrimination between T2-T4 and T5-T8 segmental groups?
the vertebral body, transverse process, articular process, and spinous process
What is the outline of the vertebral body of a typical thoracic form superior view?
triangular
What is the name given to the left side appearance of the vertebral body of T5-T8?
the aortic impression
What is the aortic impression?
the flattening of the superior and inferior epiphyseal rims on the left side of the vertebral body of T5-T8 which gives the vertebral body a less scalloped or less indented appearance on that side
What part of the vertebral body is most influenced by the aorta at T5-T8?
the left side superior and inferior epiphyseal rims
What is the height pattern of the typical thoracic vertebral body?
the posterior height is greater than the anterior height by one or two millimeters
What is the height pattern of intervertebral discs in the typical thoracic region?
the intervertebral discs are rather planar or flat with no apparent height difference between anterior and posterior heights
What is the principal cause of the posterior curve of the thoracic spine?
the vertebral body height differences
In terms of the anterior-posterior curves of the vertebral column, what direction will the thoracic spine face?
posterior
What is another way of naming a posterior curve pattern?
a kyphotic curve
What joint classifications are identified at the vertebral body of a typical thoracic?
fibrous (amphiarthrosis) syndesmosis,
cartilaginous (amphiarthrosis) symphysis, and
synovial plane (diarthrosis arthrodia)
How many synovial joints are formed at the vertebral body of a typical thoracic?
four
How many symphesis joints are formed with the vertebral body of a typical thoracic?
two
How many joints are formed at the vertebral body of a typical thoracic?
typically ten (fourteen if the costocentral stellate/radiate ligaments are included)
What is the name given to the joint formed between the vertebral body and rib?
costocentral joint
How many costocentral joints are formed at the vertebral body of a typical thoracic?
four
What synovial joint surfaces are present on the vertebral body of a typical thoracic?
the right and left superior and the right and left inferior costal demi-facets
Which of the demi-facets on the vertebral body of a typical thoracic is larger?
the superior costal demi-facet
What feature will provide assistance in maintaining the stability of the intervertebral foramen in the typical thoracics?
the costocentral joint or ribs
What does the costocentral intra-articular or interarticular ligament connect to?
the interarticular or intra-articular crest of the head of the rib and the intervertebral disc
What is the size relationship between the articulating surface of the head of the rib and the costal demi-facet surface?
the rib surface is greater than the costal demi-facet surface
Which muscle(s) is attached to the vertebral body of T2 or T3?
the longus colli
What is the position and direction of the pedicle from the typical thoracic vertebral body?
the pedicle arises from the upper third of the vertebral body and projects posterior and slightly laterally
What is the angulation of the pedicle in the typical thoracic region?
ten to fifteen degrees posterolateral from the sagittal plane
Which x-ray view is used to see into the intervertebral foramen of a typical thoracic?
the lateral view
Which vertebral notch or incisure is said to be prominent?
the inferior vertebral notch or inferior vertebral incisure
What is the nerve - vertebral relationship at the typical thoracic intervertebral foramen?
in the intervertebral foramen, the number of the nerve is the same as the number of the upper thoracic in the vertebral couple
What is the rib - vertebral body relationship at the typical thoracic intervertebral foramen?
in the intervertebral foramen, the number of the rib is the same as the number of the lower thoracic in the vertebral couple
What is overlap of the lamina called in the typical thoracic region?
shingling
What is the outline of the vertebral foramen in the typical thoracic region?
oval to circular
In which plane will the size of the vertebral foramen of a typical thoracic be greatest?
the transverse plane, the vertebral transverse diameter
What is the direction of the transverse process in the typical thoracics?
the transverse process projects more posterior with each inferior vertebra
What is present at the tip of the transverse process of a typical thoracic?
the transverse tubercle
What is the distance between the transverse tubercles in the typical thoracic region?
from T2 each transverse diameter becomes shorter as the transverse processes angle more posterior
What is present on the transverse tubercle of a typical thoracic?
the transverse costal facet
What is the rib - transverse process relationship for the typical thoracics?
the number of the rib is the same as the number of the vertebra whose transverse process is being studied; fifth rib with T5 transverse process
What is the classification of the costotransverse joint?
synovial plane (diarthrosis arthrodia) joint
What are the osseous parts of the costotransverse joint?
the transverse costal facet and the articular surface of the tubercle of a rib
What ligaments support the costotransverse joint of a typical thoracic?
the superior costotransverse, inferior costotransverse, and lateral costotransverse ligaments
The superior costotransverse ligament of the transverse process of T4 will attach to rib ___?
five
The inferior costotransverse ligament of the the transverse process of T5 will attach to rib___?
five
The lateral costotransverse ligament of the transverse process of T5 will attach to rib ____?
five
What ligaments attach to the transverse process of a typical thoracic?
intertransverse, capsular costotransverse, superior costotransverse, inferior costotransverse, and lateral costotransverse ligaments
Which joint classification is associated with the intertransverse, superior costotransverse, inferior costotransverse and lateral costotransverse ligamens?
fibrous (amphiarthrosis) syndesmosis joint
Which muscles may attach to the transverse process of a typical thoracic?
longissimus thoracis, longissimus cervicis, longissimus capitis, semispinalis thoracis, semispinalis cervicis, semispinalis capitis, multifidis, rotator longus, rotator brevis, intertransversarii, levator costarum longus, and levator costarum brevis
Of the muscles attaching to the transverse process of typical thoracics, which ones will attach only to the T5-T8 vertebral segments?
semispinalis thoracis and levator costarum longus
How do the transverse diameters of the articular processes compare in the T2-T4 region?
the superior articular process transverse diameter is greater than the inferior articular process transverse diameter for a given segment
How do the transverse diameters of the articular processes compare in the T5-T8 region?
the superior articular process transverse diameter is the same as or equal to the inferior articular process transverse diameter for a given segment
What is the orientation of the superior articular facet of a typical thoracic?
they face backward, upward, and lateral (BUL)
What is the angulation of the articular facet of a typical thoracic?
about ten to twenty degrees from the coronal plane; sixty degrees from the horizontal plane
What is the orientation of the inferior articular facet of a typical thoracic?
they face forward, downward, and medial (ForMeD)
What is the curvature of the superior articular facet of a typical thoracic?
they are slightly convex
What is the curvature of the inferior articular facet of a typical thoracic?
they are slightly concave
What is the joint classification of the articular facet joint?
synovial plane (diarthrosis arthrodia) joint
How many synovial joints are present at a typical thoracic?
ten
Identify the synovial surfaces present on a typical thoracic?
two superior costal demi-facets, two inferior costal demi-facets, two transverse costal facets, two superior articular facets, two inferior articular facets
What is the pars interarticularis?
the region between the superior and inferior articular processes
What is the name given to the overlap of spinous processes in the thoracic region?
imbrication
Imbrication will be more pronounced for what region of the thoracicis?
T5-T8
Which thoracic has the longest spinous process?
T8
What is the angulation of the spinous process of T2-T4?
the undersurface of T2-T4 spinous processes will angle up to forty degrees from the horizontal plane
What is the angulation of the spinous process of T5-T8?
the undersurface of T5-T8 spinous processes will angle up to sixty degrees from the horizontal plane
What ligaments attach to the spinous process of a typical thoracic?
the interspinous and supraspinous ligaments
What joint classification is associated with typical thoracic spinous process ligaments?
fibrous (amphiarthrosis) syndesmosis joint
Which muscles may attach to the spinous process of a typical thoracic?
trapezius, latissimus dorsi,rhomboid major, serratus posterior superior,
splenius cervicis, splenius capitis,
spinalis thoracis, spinalis cervicis, spinalis capitis,
semispinalis thoracis, multifidis, rotator longus, rotator brevis, and interspinalis
Which muscles attaching to the spinous process of a typical thoracic are not included in any muscle layer of the true back?
splenius cervicis, splenius capitis, and interspinalis
What joint classifications are present at every typical thoracic vertebra?
fibrous (amphiarthrosis) syndesmosis,
cartilaginous (amphiarthrosis) symphysis, and
synovial plane (diarthrosis arthrodia)
The fibrous (amphiarthrosis) syndesmosis joint will occur at what parts of a typical thoracic vertebra?
vertebral body, lamina, transverse process, and spinous process
At what part(s) of a typical thoracic vertebra will the synovial plane (diarthrosis arthrodia) joint be observed?
vertebral body, transverse process, articular process
What is the appearance of the superior surface of the vertebral body of T1?
it is somewhat cup-shaped with elevations at the posterior and lateral margin
What may the elevations on the vertebral body of T1 represent?
uncinate processes
What is the appearance of the inferior surface of the vertebral body of T1?
typically flat, lacking anterior and posterior lips characteristic of the cervicals
How many synovial joints are formed at the vertebral body of T1?
four normally
How many symphysis joints are formed with the vertebral body of T1?
two
How many syndesmosis joints are formed at the vertebral body of T1?
typically four are identified (as many as eight if the rib articulation is included)
How many joints are formed at the vertebral body of T1?
typically ten (fourteen if the rib ligaments are included)
How many costocentral joints are formed at the vertebral body of T1?
four
What synovial joint surfaces are present on the T1 vertebral body?
the right and left superior costal facet
the right and left inferior costal demi-facet
What is the rib - vertebral body combination at the intervertebral foramen for the eighth cervical nerve?
the superior costal facet of T1 will joint with the articular surface of the head of the first rib
What ligaments supports the costocentral joint of the first rib?
the costocentral stellate/radiate ligament
What ligaments support the costocentral joint of the second rib?
the costocentral stellate/radiate ligament and the costocentral interarticular or intra-articular ligament
The costocentral stellate/radiate ligament will attach to which segment(s) at the C8 spinal nerve intervertebral foramen?
the vertebral body of C7 and the vertebral body of T1
Which muscle(s) is attached to the vertebral body of T1?
the longus colli
Which spinal nerve - vertebral notch or incisure combination is present at T1?
C8 spinal nerve - the superior vertebral notch or incisure of T1
T1 spinal nerve - the inferior vertebral notch or incisure of T1
What ligaments support the costotransverse joint of T1?
the inferior costotransverse and lateral costotransverse ligaments
What ligament is absent at the costotransverse joint of T1?
the superior costotransverse ligament
What ligaments attach to the transverse process of T1?
intertransverse, capsular costotransverse, superior costotransverse, inferior costotransverse and lateral costotransverse
Which costotransverse joint will the superior costotransverse ligament of T1 support?
the second rib costotransverse joint
What muscles attach to the transverse process of T1?
longissimus thoracis, longissimus cervicis, longissimus capitis,
semispinalis cervicis, semispinalis capitis,
multifidis,
rotator longus, rotator brevis,
intertransversarii, and
levator cotarum brevis
What is the orientation of the superior articular facet of T1?
they face backward, upward, and lateral (BUL)
What is the orientation of the inferior articular facet of T1?
the face forward, downward, and medial (ForMeD)
What is the curvature of the superior articular facet of T1?
they are slightly convex
What is the curvature of the inferior articular facet of T1?
they are slightly concave
How many synovial joints are present at T1?
ten
How many synovial joint surfaces for ribs are present at T1?
six
What name is used to identify the topographical landmark at the base of the neck?
vertebral prominence
Which vertebrae have been identified as forming the vertebral prominence?
C6, C7, T1
What is the gender bias associated with T1 as the vertebral prominence?
males (9%) are more likely than females (6%) to demonstrate T1 as the vertebral prominence
What muscles attach to the spinous process of T1?
the trapezius, rhomboid minor, serratus posterior superior,
splenius capitis,
spinalis thoracis, spinalis cervicis, spinalis capitis,
semispinalis thoracis,
multifidis,
rotator longus, rotator brevis,
interspinalis
How many syndesmosis joints are formed at the vertebral body of T9?
typically four are identified (as many as eight if the costocentral stellate/radiate ligaments are included)
How many joints are typically formed at the vertebral body of T9?
typically ten (fourteen if the costocentral stellate/radiate ligaments are included)
How many costocentral joints are typically formed at the vertebral body of T9?
four
Which synovial joint surface may be absent from the vertebral body of T9?
inferior costal demi-facets
What is present on the transverse tubercle of T9?
the transverse costal facet
What ligaments attach to the transverse process of T9?
intertransverse, capsular costotransverse, superior costotransverse, inferior costoransverse, and lateral costotransverse ligaments
Which costotransverse joint will the superior costotransverse ligament of T9 support?
the tenth rib costotransverse joint
Which muscles attach to the transverse process of T9?
the longissimus thoracis, spinalis thoracis, multifidis, rotator longus, rotator brevis, intertransversarii, levator costarum longus, and levator costarum bravis
How many synovial joint surfaces for ribs are typically present on T9?
six
Which rib related facet may be absent on T9?
the inferior costal demi-facet
Which is the last thoracic vertebra to have an inferior costal demi-facet?
T9
What is the length of the spinous process of T9?
it will shorten significantly from the long spinous process of T8
What muscles attach to the spinous process of T9?
the trapezius, latissimus dorsi,
multifidis,
rotator longus, rotator brevis, and
interspinalis
Which muscles are conspicuously absent at the T9 spinous process?
spinalis and semispinalis
How many synovial joints are formed at the vertebral body of T10?
two
How many symphysis joints are formed with the vertebral body of T10?
two
How many joints are typically formed at the vertebral body of T10?
typically eight (twelve if the costocentral stellate/radiate ligaments are included)
How many costocentral joints are typically formed at the vertebral body of T10?
two
What synovial joint surfaces are present on the vertebral body of T10?
the right and left superior costal facet
Which synovial joint surface is absent from the vertebral body of T10?
inferior costal demi-facets
What is the rib - vertebral body combination is typically present at the intervertebral foramen for the tenth thoracic nerve?
the superior costal facet of T11 will joint with the articular surface of the head of the eleventh rib
Para-articular processes are more commonly observed on which segment of the spine?
T10
What part of the transverse process may be absent on T10?
the transverse costal facet
The superior costotransverse ligament of T10 will attach to which rib?
the eleventh rib
What muscles attach to the transverse process of T10?
longissimus thoracis,
semispinalis thoracis, multifidis, rotator longus, rotator brevis,
intertransversarii, levator costarum longus, and levator costarum brevis
How many synovial joints are typically present at T10?
eight
Which rib related facet is absent on T10?
the inferior costal demi-facet
A dimpling or depression of the skin in the thoracic region is often characteristic of the location of which segment?
T10
What muscles attach to the spinous process of T10?
the trapezius, latissimus dorsi, multifidis, rotator longus, rotator brevis, and interspinalis
What name is given to T11?
the anticlinal vertebra
Which vertebral segment is the first to have a reniform vertebral body?
T11
How many synovial joints are formed at the vertebral body of T11?
two
How many joints are typically formed at the vertebral body of T11?
typically eight (twelve if the costocentral stellate/radiate ligaments are included)
What part of the transverse process is absent on T11?
the transverse costal facet
Which vertebra is the last segment to demonstrate a transverse costal facet?
T10
What ligaments form the costotransverse joint of T11?
the superior costotransverse, and slightly developed inferior costotransverse and lateral costotransverse ligaments
Which costotransverse joint will the superior costotransverse ligament at the transverse process of T11 support?
the twelfth rib costotransverse joint
The inferior costotransverse ligament of T11 will attach to which rib?
the eleventh rib
The lateral costotransverse ligament of the transverse process of T11 attaches to which rib?
the eleventh rib
Which costotransverse ligament(s) are absent at T11?
capsular costotransverse ligament
What muscles attach to the transverse process of T11?
longissimus thoracis,
semispinalis thoracis, multifidis, rotator longus, rotator brevis,
intertransversarii and levator costarum brevis
Which levator costarum muscle is absent at T11?
levator costarum longus
Which segment is the last to demonstrate an attachment for the levator costarum longus?
T10
What is the orientation of the superior articular facets of T11?
they face backward, upward, and lateral (BUL)
What is the orientation of the inferior articular facets of T11?
they face forward, downward, and medial (ForMed)
How many synovial joints are typically present at T11?
six
Identify the synovial joint surfaces typically present at T11.
two superior costal facets, two superior articular facets, two inferior articular facets
What muscles attach to the spinous process of T11?
trapezius, latissimus dorsi, serratus posterior inferior, iliocostalis lumborum, spinalis thoracis, multifidis, rotator longus, rotator brevis, and interspinalis
At which segments of the thoracic spine will the spinalis muscle not attach?
T9, T10
Which erector spinae muscle uniquely attaches to teh spinous process of T11?
iliocostalis lumborum
How many synovial joints are formed at the vertebral body of T12?
two
How many symphysis joints are formed with the vertebral body of T12?
two
How many syndesmosis joints are formed at the vertebral body of T12?
four are typically identified (as many as six if the costocentral stellate/radiate ligaments are included)
How many joints are typically formed at the vertebral body of T12?
typically eight (ten if the costocentral stellate/radiate ligaments are included)
Which muscle(s) is attached to the vertebral body of T12?
psoas major and psoas minor
What is present at the transverse process region of T12?
three tubercles of variable size
Which tubercle of T12 represents the transverse process?
the lateral tubercle
Which tubercle on T12 represents the mammillary process of the lumbars?
the superior tubercle
Which tubercle of T12 represents the accessory process of the lumbars?
the inferior tubercle
What ligaments form the costotransvere joint of the twelfth rib?
the superior costotransverse ligament from T11 and the lumbocostal ligament from L1
Which costotransverse ligament(s) are attached at T12?
none; the capsular, superior, inferior, and lateral costotransverse ligaments lack an attachment of T12
What muscles attach to the transverse process region of T12?
the longissimus thoracis, semispinalis thoracis, multifidis, rotator longus, rotator brevis, and intertransversarii
Which segment is the last to demonstrate a levator costarum brevis attachment?
T11
Which segment is the last to demonstrate a levator costarum longus attachment?
T10
What is the orientation of the superior articular facet of T12?
they face backward, upward, and lateral (BUL)
What is the orientation of the inferior articular facets of T12?
they face forward, downward, and lateral (FoLD)
What is the curvature of the inferior articular facets of T12?
they are significantly convex
How many synovial joints are typically present at T12?
six
Identify the synovial joint surfaces typically present on T12.
two superior costal facets,
two superior articular facets,
two inferior articular facets
What is the generic appearance of the spinous process of T12?
lumbar-like, similar in length to T11
What ligaments attach to the spinous process of T12?
the interspinous and supraspinous ligaments are said to be present
What muscles attach to the spinous process of T12?
the trapezius, latissimus dorsi, serratus posterior inferior, iliocostalis lumborum, spinalis thoracis, multifidis, rotator longus, rotator brevis and interspinalis
Which erector spinae muscle is unique in its attachment to the T12 spinous process?
iliocostalis lumborum
Which muscles attaching to the spinous process of T12 are not included in any muscle layer of the true back?
interspinalis
What joint classifications are present at T12?
fibrous (amphiarthrosis) syndesmosis,
cartilaginous (amphiarthrosis) symphysis, and
synovial (diarthrosis) arthrodia joint
Which muscle(s) attach to the vertebral body of thoracic vertebrae?
longus colli, psoas major, and psoas minor
Which thoracic segments will have muscles attaching to their vertebral bodies?
T1-T3, T12
Which erector spinae muscle will attach along the length of the thoracic spine?
longissimus
Which thoracic is the last to demonstrate an attachment at the transverse process for the semispinalis muscle group?
T12
Which thoracic is first to demonstrate the attachment of the levator costarum brevis?
T1
Which thoracic is last to demonstrate the attachment of the levator costarum brevis?
T11
Which thoracic is first to demonstrate the attachment of the levator costarum longus?
T7
Which thoracic is last to demonstrate the attachment of the levator costarum longus?
T10
Rhomboid minor will attach to the spinous process of which thoracic(s)?
T1 only
Rhomboid major will attach to the spinous process of which thoracic(s)?
T2-T5
Which thoracic vertebrae will demonstrate a spinous process attachment for the serratus posterior superior?
T1-T3
Which thoracic vertebrae will demonstrate a spinous process attachment for the serratus posterior inferior?
T11-T12
Which thoracics demonstrate a spinous process attachment for the splenius muscles?
T1-T6
Which thoracis demonstrate a spinous process attachment for the iliocostalis lumborum?
T11-T12
Which thoracics lack any spinalis muscle group attachment on their spinous process?
T9-T10