Thoracic Vertebrae (Quiz 2/Test 2) Flashcards
What are the characteristics of the thoracic vertebrae?
-long, thin, angulated SP
-costal articular facets on body (superior and inferior demi facets)
-costal articular facets on the transverses (costal transverse facets)
What is the difference between typical and atypical thoracic vertebrae?
variations in rib articulations
What are the typical thoracic vertebrae?
T2-T8
What are the true ribs?
ribs 1-7
-direct attachment to sternum via costal cartilage
What are false ribs?
ribs 8-10
-indirect attachment to sternum via costal cartilage
-attached to TPs
What are floating ribs?
ribs 11/12
-not attached to sternum
-not attached to TPs
What shape is the body of thoracic vertebrae?
test q
heart shaped, concave sided cylinder
How many demi facets are there on thoracic vertebrae?
2 pairs of costal demi facets (1/2 facets)
Do the superior and inferior epiphysis of thoracic vertebrae have any features?
no, theyre flat and featureless
What does the posterior surface of thoracic vertebrae show?
basi-vertebral foramen
What shape are the superior demi facets and where are they located on thoracic vertebrae?
-small crescent shaped surfaces
-located on the postero-supero-lateral corner of the body
-may be slightly elevated
What shape are the inferior demi facets and where are they located on thoracic vertebrae?
-small crescent shaped surfaces
-located on the postero-infero-lateral corner of the body
-often slightly raised
Superior and inferior demi facets align where on thoracic vertebrae?
on successive vertebrae
-inferior demi facet aligns with the superior demi facet below
-forms full facet for articulation of a rib head
-rib number = same number as LOWER vertebra
What are the features of the pedicles on thoracic vertebrae?
-short thick vertical plates
-half as tall as body
-little or no superior pedicle notches
-deep inferior pedicle notches
-the notches form large oval IVFs facing directly laterally
Where do the pedicles of thoracic vertebrae project?
posteriorly from the upper corners of the body
Where do the pre-zygopophyses of thoracic vertebrae project?
posterosuperiorly from the top of the pedicles
What do the pre-zygopophyses of thoracic vertebrae form?
the posterior margins of the IVFs
What shape are the superior articular surfaces of thoracic vertebrae? What do they cover?
-flat smooth tall ovals
-cover the entire posterior surface of the pre-zygopophyses