Thoracic Spine

Question 1

What is the function of the thoracic spine?

Answer 1

-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

Question 2

Name the 3 regions of the Thorax

Answer 2

• Vetebro-manubrium
• Vertebro-sternal
• Vertebro-chondral

Question 3

where is the Vetebro-manubrium region?

Answer 3

T1-T2, Rib 1 + 2, manubrium

Question 4

where is the Vertebro-sternal region?

Answer 4

T3-T7, Ribs 3-7, sternum

Question 5

where is the Vertebro-chondral region?

Answer 5

T8-T10

Question 6

What does each TP of the thoracic vertebrae have (excluding T11 & 12)

Answer 6

Transverse Costal Facets on TP’s for articulation with the tubercles of the ribs

Question 7

what is the difference between the SP’s of the thoracic compared to cervical and lumbar?

Answer 7

SP’s are more pointed (angled sharply downward)

Question 8

what is kyphosis?

Answer 8

an exaggerated rounding of the upper back

Question 9

What are the movements of the ribs?

Answer 9

they move anteriorly, posteriorly, superiorly and inferiorly to facilitate breathing.

Question 10

What are the functions of the ribs?

Answer 10

• 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

Question 11

What ribs are typical and atypical?

Answer 11

Typical- 3-9
Atypical- 1, 2, 10, 11 and 12

Question 12

What are the features of a typical rib?

Answer 12

-head with 2 articular facets
-neck
-tubercle
-shaft
-costal groove

Question 13

why is Rib 1 atypical?

Answer 13

it is wide, short, has 2 costal grooves and only 1 articular facet

Question 14

What makes rib 2 atypical?

Answer 14

thin, long, has a tuberosity on its superior surface for the attachemnt of serratus anteiror muscle

Question 15

What makes rib 10 atypical?

Answer 15

only has 1 articular facet

Question 16

What makes rib 11 and 12 atypical?

Answer 16

they only have 1 articular facet and no neck

Question 17

What are the 3 main joints thta connect the ribs to the vertebrae?

Answer 17

Costovertebral
Costotransverse
Zygapophseal

Question 18

what type of joint is the costovertebral joint
where is it found?

Answer 18

synovial plane joint
found on both side of vertebral column (connects ribs to vertebrae)

Question 19

what makes up each costovertebral joint?

Answer 19

head of the ribs and costal facets of the adjacent thoracic vertebra

Question 20

what is the primary movemnet of the costovertebra joint?

Answer 20

Rotation during forced inspiration and expiration

facilitates respiratory movements and rib cage expansion during breathing.

Question 21

What type of joint is the costotransverse joint and where is it found?

Answer 21

synovial plane joint
articulation between tubercle of the rib and TP’s of adjacent thoracic vertebrae

Question 22

what ligaments stabilise the costotransverse joint?

Answer 22

costotransverse ligament and superior costotransverse ligament.

Question 23

what ligamenst stabilise the costovertebral joints?

Answer 23

radiate ligament, intra-articular ligament, and superior and lateral costotransverse ligament

Question 24

what movements do the costotransverse joints allow?

Answer 24

-gliding movement during respiration, faciliatting expansion and contraction of the thoracic cage

*movement is limited compared to costovertebral joint due to the ligamentous attachments.

Question 25

what is the zygopopsheal joint (facet joint)?

Answer 25

synovial plane joint
articulations between superior articular facet with the inferior articulatfacet of the vertebra above