Thoracic Wall Flashcards
What does the Thoracic Wall extend between?
- The superior thoracic aperture
- The inferior thoracic aperture
What is the Superior Thoracic Aperture bordered by?
- T1
- First rib
- Manubrium of the sternum
What is the Inferior Thoracic Aperture bordered by?
- T12
- Rib XII
- End of Rib XI
- Costal margin
- Xiphoid process of the sternum
How many Thoracic Vertebrae are there?
12
How many sites does a typical thoracic Vertebra have for articulation with the ribs?
3
What are the sites of Articulation for the thoracic Vertebra with the ribs?
Two Demifacets are located on the superior and inferior aspects of the body for articulation with corresponding sites on the heads of adjacent ribs
Superior Costal Facet –> part of the head of its own rib
Inferior Costal Facet –> Part of the head of rib below
Articulation of Vertebra 1 with Rib 1?
Superior Costal Facets are complete and ariticulate with a single facet on the head of its own rib - i.e head of Rib 1 does not articulate with CV11
Articulation of Vertebra TX ( and often TIX) with ribs?
Articulate only with their own ribs and therefore lack inferior demifacets
Articulation of Vertebra XI and XII with their ribs?
Articulate only with the heads of their own ribs - lack costal facets and have only a single complete facet on the side.
What 3 things is the posterior portion of a rib characterised by?
- Head
- Neck
- Tubercle
What are the two components of a tubercle of the rib?
- Articular Surface : attaches to transverse process of associated vertebra
- Raised non articular part : Roughened by Ligament attachments
What two joints are formed with the articulation of the ribs with the vertebrae
- Costovertebral
- Costotransverse
What movement is seen at the Costovertebral joint?
Allows neck of ribs to rotate in the longitudinal axis ( upper ribs)
To ascend and descend ( lower ribs)
Combined movement of all rib is essential for altering thoracic volume during breathing.
What movement is seen at the costotransverse joint?
Slight Gliding Movements
What 3 ligaments are involved in the Costotransverse joint?
1) Costotransverse Ligament –> attaches to neck of rib at transverse process
2) Lateral Costotransverse Ligament –> Tip of transverse process to the non-articular portion of tubercle
3) Superior Costotransverse Ligament –> Superior surface of the neck of the rib and transverse process of vertebra above