Thoracic Spine + Rib Cage Anatomy

Question 1

T/F: the body of the T-Spine vertebrae can be described as a “waisted cylinder”

Answer 1

TRUE

it predisposes them to compression fractures

Question 2

describe the transverse processes of T-Spine vertebrae

Answer 2

• all have costal facets (except lowest 2-3)
• anterior oval facets for articulation with corresponding rib
• get shorter as we move caudally
• typically at the level of the SP of the more cranial segment

Question 3

describe the pedicles and spinous processes of T-spine vertebrae

Answer 3

• pedicles → increase in thickness, caudally. Deep inferior notch, shallow superior notch
• spinous process → project caudally and overlap vertebrae 5-8

Question 4

describe the foramen of T-Spine vertebrae

Answer 4

spinal → small and circular

Question 5

which ribs are considered “true ribs”?

Answer 5

ribs 1-7 b/c they articulate with the sternum

Question 6

which ribs are considered “false ribs”?

Answer 6

ribs 8-10

11-12 (false floating)

Question 7

what is a cervical rib?

Answer 7

anatomic abnormality

commonly unilateral

may be free floating or join with 1st rib, costal cartilage, or sternum

can cause compression of neurovascular structures between cervical rib and anterior scalene

Question 8

describe the arthology of t-spine, how many articulations are there?

Answer 8

12 articulations:

2 of the following: intervertebral joints, S/I articular processes, transverse costal facets, S/I costal facets

Question 9

describe the arthrology of the T-spine zygophophysial joints

Answer 9

• Superior articular processes
  
  • oval
  • slightly convex transversely
  • orientation: face posteriorly and slightly superiolaterally
• inferior articular processes
  
  • oval
  • flat/slightly transversely concave
  • orientation: face anterior and slightly inferiomedially

Question 10

what innervates zygophophysial joints?

Answer 10

medial branch of dorsal rami

Question 11

describe the arthology of costal heads joints

Answer 11

synovial joints (roll and glide)

rib and vertebral bodies articulate (as well as disc)

rib 2-9 articulates with superior and inferior bodies

Question 12

describe the arthology of costotransverse joints

Answer 12

concave TP, convex rib

ribs 1-10*

Question 13

where are the IV discs thinnest at the T-Spine?

Answer 13

upper T-Spine

Question 14

what type of cartilage is costal cartilage?

Answer 14

hyaline cartilage

Question 15

what joints make up the sternocostal joints?

Answer 15

rib 1: synarthosis

ribs 2-7: synovial joints

ribs 8-10: interchondral joints

Question 16

what are the supporting structures at the sternocostal joints?

Answer 16

• capsules
• radiate ligaments
• intra-articular ligament (2nd rib)

Question 17

describe trends of motions in the T-Spine

Answer 17

flexion motion generally increases as we move caudally

extension is not consistent through upper, mid and lower T-spine

get a good bit of rotation in upper and mid T-Spine

Question 18

describe the traditional coupling theory of T-Spine

Answer 18

• when positioned in flexion and in neutral
  
  • rotation and lateral flexion are coupled ipsilaterally
• when positioned in extension
  
  • rotation and lateral flexion are coupled contralaterally

Question 19

describe the motion of ribs during respiration

Answer 19

upper ribs → pump handle

lower ribs → bucket handle

Question 20

T/F: normal expiration is passive

Answer 20

TRUE

due to recoil of thorax resulting from elasticity of osteochondral components and pulmonary structures

Question 21

List accessory expiratory muscles

Answer 21

1. abdominal muscles: rectus andominis, external oblique, internal oblique depress the thoracic outlet
2. iliocostalis thoracis
3. longissimus
4. serratus posterior inferior
5. quadratus lumborum

Question 22

list accessory muscles for inspiration

Answer 22

1. SCM
2. scalenes
3. pec major/minor
4. SA
5. Latissimus dorsi
6. serratus posterior superior
7. Iliocostalis cervicis

Question 23

how much curvature is normal in the T-Spine?

Answer 23

20-40 degrees