Thoracic Spine Flashcards
What is the function of the thoracic spine?
-Protects the heart, lungs and mojor blood supply
-Provides basis of attachment for muscles
-Provides stable base for movement of arms and head
-Transmits weight
Name the 3 regions of the Thorax
- Vetebro-manubrium
- Vertebro-sternal
- Vertebro-chondral
where is the Vetebro-manubrium region?
T1-T2, Rib 1 + 2, manubrium
where is the Vertebro-sternal region?
T3-T7, Ribs 3-7, sternum
where is the Vertebro-chondral region?
T8-T10
What does each TP of the thoracic vertebrae have (excluding T11 & 12)
Transverse Costal Facets on TP’s for articulation with the tubercles of the ribs
what is the difference between the SP’s of the thoracic compared to cervical and lumbar?
SP’s are more pointed (angled sharply downward)
what is kyphosis?
an exaggerated rounding of the upper back
What are the movements of the ribs?
they move anteriorly, posteriorly, superiorly and inferiorly to facilitate breathing.
What are the functions of the ribs?
- Protects the content of the thoracic cavity and mediastinum
- Move anteriorly, posteriorly, superiorly and inferiorly to faciliatte breathing
- Provide attachemnet sites of muscles to originate and insert
What ribs are typical and atypical?
Typical- 3-9
Atypical- 1, 2, 10, 11 and 12
What are the features of a typical rib?
-head with 2 articular facets
-neck
-tubercle
-shaft
-costal groove
why is Rib 1 atypical?
it is wide, short, has 2 costal grooves and only 1 articular facet
What makes rib 2 atypical?
thin, long, has a tuberosity on its superior surface for the attachemnt of serratus anteiror muscle
What makes rib 10 atypical?
only has 1 articular facet
What makes rib 11 and 12 atypical?
they only have 1 articular facet and no neck
What are the 3 main joints thta connect the ribs to the vertebrae?
Costovertebral
Costotransverse
Zygapophseal
what type of joint is the costovertebral joint
where is it found?
synovial plane joint
found on both side of vertebral column (connects ribs to vertebrae)
what makes up each costovertebral joint?
head of the ribs and costal facets of the adjacent thoracic vertebra
what is the primary movemnet of the costovertebra joint?
Rotation during forced inspiration and expiration
facilitates respiratory movements and rib cage expansion during breathing.
What type of joint is the costotransverse joint and where is it found?
synovial plane joint
articulation between tubercle of the rib and TP’s of adjacent thoracic vertebrae
what ligaments stabilise the costotransverse joint?
costotransverse ligament and superior costotransverse ligament.
what ligamenst stabilise the costovertebral joints?
radiate ligament, intra-articular ligament, and superior and lateral costotransverse ligament
what movements do the costotransverse joints allow?
-gliding movement during respiration, faciliatting expansion and contraction of the thoracic cage
*movement is limited compared to costovertebral joint due to the ligamentous attachments.
what is the zygopopsheal joint (facet joint)?
synovial plane joint
articulations between superior articular facet with the inferior articulatfacet of the vertebra above
