W1: Thoracic Anatomy Flashcards
How many thoracic vertebrae are there?
12
What features do the superior thoracic vertebrae demonstrate (T1-T4)?
Exhibit features typical of cervical vertebrae
What features do the middle thoracic vertebrae demonstrate (T5-T8)?
Typical thoracic vertebrae
What features do the inferior thoracic vertebrae demonstrate (T9-T12)?
Exhibit features typical of lumbar vertebrae
What vertebrae has the most prominent spinous process?
C7 or T1
The T1 Spinous process is in line with the…..
Superior angle of the scapula
The T3 spinous process is in line with the….
Base of spine of scapula
The T7 spinous process is in line with the….
Inferior angle of scapula
What connects the transverse process to the body?
Pedicle
What are the three main roles of the thoracic spine?
- Weight bearing and force transmission
- Attachment of ribs with associated synovial joints (breathing)
- Protection of organs
What connects the spinous process to the transverse process?
Lamina?
How would you describe the positioning of the thoracic transverse processes?
Obliquely Placed with facets for articulation from tubercle of rib
What shape is the thoracic vertebral body?
Heart shaped
How is the spinous process shaped?
Long downward slopping spinous process. Contains articular facets for ribs.
What is the finger rule related to?
The typical thoracic vertebrae are constructed with a difference in height between the spinous process and the transverse process. The extent of this difference varies.
Finger rule: T1/T2 spinous process
Plus one finger width
Finger rule: T3/T4 spinous process
Plus two finger width
Finger rule T5-T8 spinous process
Plus three finger widths