Thoracic or Dorsal Region

Question 1

Which thoracic segments are considered the typical thoracics?

Answer 1

T2-T8 segments

Question 2

Which thoracic segments are considered the atypical thoracics?

Answer 2

T1; T9-T12

Question 3

What features will allow discrimination between T2-T4 and T5-T8 segmental groups?

Answer 3

The vertebral body, transverse process, articular process and spinous process

Question 4

What is the name given to the left side appearance of the vertebral body of T5-T8?

Answer 4

The aortic impression

Question 5

What is the height pattern of the typical thoracic vertebral body?

Answer 5

The posterior height is greater than the anterior height by 1-2mm

Question 6

What is the principal cause of the posterior curve of the thoracic spine?

Answer 6

The vertebral body height differences

Question 7

In terms of the anterior-posterior curves of the vertebral column, what direction will the thoracic spine face?

Answer 7

Posterior

Question 8

What is another way of naming a posterior curve pattern?

Answer 8

Kyphotic curve

Question 9

What joints are identified at the vertebral body of a typical thoracic?

Answer 9

Vertebral body to ALL at the epiphyseal rims; Vertebral body to PLL at the epiphyseal rims; Vertebral body to vertebral body via intervertebral discs; vertebral body to capitulum of a rib (costocentral joint)

Question 10

What joint classifications are identified at the vertebral body of a typical thoracic?

Answer 10

fibrous (amphiarthrosis) syndesmosis, cartilaginous (amphiarthrosis) symphysis, and synovial plane (diarthrosis arthrodia)

Question 11

How many synovial joints are formed at the vertebral body of a typical thoracic?

Answer 11

4

Question 12

How many symphysis joints are formed with the vertebral body of a typical thoracic?

Answer 12

2

Question 13

How many joints are formed at the vertebral body of a typical thoracic?

Answer 13

Typically 10 (14 if costocentral stellate/radiate ligaments are included)
"10 + 4"

Question 14

Which of the demi-facets on the vertebral body of a typical thoracic is larger?

Answer 14

The superior costal demi-facet

Question 15

What feature will provide assistance in maintaining the stability of the IVF in the typical thoracics?

Answer 15

The costocentral joint or ribs

Question 16

What is the rib - vertebral body combination at the IVF for the ___ nerve? Let’s use the T6 nerve.

Answer 16

The inferior costal demi-facet of T6 will joint with the superior articular surface of the head of the 7th rib

The superior costal demi-facet of T7 will joint with the inferior articular surface of the head of the 7th rib

Question 17

What ligaments support the costocentral joint?

Answer 17

The costocentral stellate/ radiate ligament and the costocentral interarticular or intra-articular ligament

Question 18

What does the costocentral intra-articular or interarticular ligament connect to?

Answer 18

The interarticular or intra-articular crest of the head of the rib and the intervertebral disc

Question 19

What is the size relationship between the articulating surface of the head of the rib and the costal demi-facet surface?

Answer 19

The rib surface is greater than the costal demi-facet surface