Typical Thoracic Vertebrae T2-T8 Flashcards
What features will allow discrimination between T2-T4 and T5-T8 segmental groups?
The vertebral body, transverse process, articular process, and spinous process
What is the outline of the vertebral body of a typical thoracic from superior view?
Triangular
On cranial view, what is the outline of the vertebral body for the T5-T8 group?
The left side of the vertebral body will be flattened, the right side convex
What is the name given to the left side appearance of the vertebral body of T5-T8?
The aortic impression
What part of the vertebral body is most influenced by the aorta at T5-T8?
The left side superior and inferior epiphyseal rims
What is the height pattern of the typical thoracic vertebral body?
The posterior height is greater than the anterior height by one to two millimeters
What is the height pattern of intervertebral discs in the typical thoracic region?
The intervertebral discs are rather planar or flat with no apparent height difference between anterior and posterior heights
What is the principle cause of the posterior curve of the thoracic spine?
The vertebral height differences
What is another way of naming a posterior curve pattern?
A kyphotic curve
What joint classifications are identified at the vertebral body of a typical thoracic?
Fibrous (amphiarthrosis) syndesmosis, cartilaginous (amphiarthrosis) symphysis, and synovial plane (diarthrosis arthrodia)
How many synovial joints are formed at the vertebral body of a typical thoracic?
4
How many symphysis joints are formed with the vertebral body of a typical thoracic?
2
How many syndesmosis joints are formed at the vertebral body of a typical thoracic?
Typically 4 are identified (as many as 8 if the costocentral stellate/radiate ligaments are included)
What is the name given to the joint formed between the vertebral body an rib?
Costocentral joint
How many costocentral joints are formed at the vertebral body and rib?
4
Which of the demi-facets on the vertebral body of a typical thoracic is larger?
The superior costal demi-facet
What feature will provide assistance in maintaining the stability of the intervertebral foramen in the typical thoracics?
The costocentral joint or ribs
What ligaments support the costocentral joint?
The costocentral stellate/ radiate ligament and the costocentral interarticular or intra-articular ligament
What does the costocentral intra-articular or interarticular ligament connect to?
The interarticular or intra-articular crest of the head of the rib and the intervertebral disc
What is the size relationship between the articulating surface of the head of the rib and the costal demi-facet surface?
The rib surface is greater than the costal demi-facet surface
Which muscle(s) is attached to the vertebral body of T2 or T3?
The longus colli
What is the position and direction of the pedicle from the typical thoracic vertebral body?
The pedicle arises from the upper third of the vertebral body and projects posterior and slightly lateral
What is the angulation of the pedicle in the typical thoracic region?
Ten to fifteen degrees posterolateral from the sagittal plane
Which X-Ray view is used to see into the intervertebral foramen of a typical thoracic?
The lateral view
What is overlap of the lamina called in the typical thoracic region?
Shingling
What is the outline of the vertebral foramen in the typical thoracic region?
Oval to circular
In which plane will the size of the vertebral foramen of a typical thoracic be greatest?
The transverse plane, the vertebral transverse diameter
What are the osseous parts of the costotransverse joint?
The transverse costal facet and the articular surface of the tubercle of a rib
What ligaments support the costotransverse joint of a typical thoracic?
The superior costotransverse, inferior costotransverse, and lateral costotransverse ligaments
Which muscles may attach to the transverse process of a typical thoracic?
The longissimus thoracis, longissimus cervicis, longissimus capitis, semispinalis thoracis, semispinalis cervicis, semispinalis capitis, multifidis, rotator longus, rotator brevis, intertransversarii, levator costarum longus, and levator costarum brevis
Which muscles may attach to the transverse process of a typical thoracic?
The longissimus thoracis, longissimus cervicis, longissimus capitis, semispinalis thoracis, semispinalis cervicis, semispinalis capitis, multifidis, rotator longus, rotator brevis, intertransversarii, levator costarum longus, and levator costarum brevis
How can you distinguish between a T2-T4 from T5-T8 segment using the articular process?
At T2-T4 the width between the superior articular processes is greater than the width between the inferior articular processes of that vertebra
At T5-T8 the width between the superior articular processes is equal to or the same as the width between the inferior articular processes of that vertebra
What is the orientation of the superior articular facet of a typical thoracic?
They face backward, upward, and lateral (BUL)
What is the orientation of the inferior articular facet of a typical thoracic?
They face forward, downward, and medial (ForMeD)
How many synovial joints are present at a typical thoracic?
Ten
How many synovial joint surfaces for ribs are present on a typical thoracic?
Six
Identify the synovial joint surfaces for ribs that are present on a typical thoracic.
two superior costal-demi facets, two inferior costal demi-facets, two transverse costal facets
What is the name given to the overlap of spinous processes in the thoracic region?
Imbrication
Imbrication will be more pronounced for what region of the thoracics?
T5-T8
Which thoracic has the longest spinous process?
T8
What is the angulation of the spinous process in the typical thoracic region?
The undersurface of T2-T4 spinous processes will angle up to forty degrees from the horizontal plane
The undersurface of T5-T8 spinous processes will angle up to sixty degrees from the horizontal plane
Which muscles may attach to the spinous process of a typical thoracic?
The trapezius, latissimus dorsi, rhomboid major, serratus posterior superior, splenius cervicis, splenius capitis, spinalis thoracis, spinalis cervicis, spinalis capitis, semispinalis thoracics, multifidis, rotator longus, rotator brevis, and interspinalis
Which muscles may attach to the spinous process of a typical thoracic?
The trapezius, latissimus dorsi, rhomboid major, serratus posterior superior, splenius cervicis, splenius capitis, spinalis thoracis, spinalis cervicis, spinalis capitis, semispinalis thoracics, multifidis, rotator longus, rotator brevis, and interspinalis
