T-spine Flashcards
How many thoracic vertebrae are there?
12
Which thoracic vertebrae are considered typical?
2-8
T/F
T1-3 are decreased slightly in size, then T4-12 all increase progressively
True
What structures are on the sides of the body for articulation with the head of the ribs?
Superior and inferior Demi facets
*each rib articulates with 2 bodies (exception: 1,9,10,11,12)
-Short
-go backward from the body to meet the short deep laminae
Pedicles
What is the shape of the vertebral foramen in the T spine?
Circular and smaller then the cervical region
Thick and strong
Articulate with the tubercle of the rib on the anterior surface
(Costotransverse joints)
Transverse process
Almost vertical
2 superior (posterior facing) and 2 inferior (anterior facing)
Articulate with the processes above and below on the adjacent vertebrae (zygapopyseal joints)
Articular processes
What direction do the superior articular processes face?
Posterior
What direction do the inferior articular processes face?
Anterior
Long and slender
Directed down and posterior
Spinous processes
On which vertebrae are the spinous processes almost vertical?
T5-8
Formed by the deep inferior vertebral notch and open laterally in front of the transverse process
Intervertebral foramina
What is different about T1?
On each side of the body there is a WHOLE superior facet (not demi) for the head of the first rib
*also has demi facet inferior for head of second rib
What is different about T9?
The body has 2 demi facets above and the lower facets are small (sometimes absent)
What is different about T10?
Complete superior facets and no lower facets
What is different about T11and T12?
Complete articular facets on sides of bodies for costovertebral joints
Transverse processes are small
Large bodies
T/F
The transverse processes of T11-12 are small and do not have facets. Therefore no costotransverse joints
True
