Thoracic spine joints

Question 1

Describe the type of joint between vertebral bodies

Answer 1

symphysis

hyaline cartilage on articulating surfaces separated by fibrocartilaginous IV disc

Question 2

describe the type of joint between vertebral arches

Answer 2

synovial joint (has synovial fluid secreted by synovial membrane) synovial membrane within articular capsule, articular cartilage between bones
articulation of superior + inferior articular processes between adjacent vertebrae

Question 3

how many joints are there unique to the thoracic spine and what are they?

Answer 3

2
costalvertebral and costotrasverse
both between vertebrae and rib

Question 4

Describe the costovertebral joint

Answer 4

head of rib articulating with:
superior costal (demi)facet of corresponding vertebra
inferior costal (demi)facet of the superior vertebra
the IV disc separating the 2 vertebrae

Question 5

what does the intra-articular ligament of the head of attach?

Answer 5

attaches the heads of ribs to the IV disc in the thoracic spine, allowing only SLIGHT gliding movements - due to close articulation

Question 6

describe the costotransverse joints of the thoracic spine

Answer 6

articulates the transverse process facet of thoracic vertebrae to the tubercle of the adjacent rib
in ALL thoracic vertebrae (T1-T10) apart from T11 & T12

Question 7

How many joints are there throughout vertebral column and where are they?

Answer 7

2
between vertebral bodies
between vertebral arches (ring around vertebrae foramen)