Anatomy of Intervertebral Joints

How many thoracic vertebrae are there in the human body?

What is unique about the articulation of thoracic vertebrae with ribs?

Which part of the thoracic vertebra articulates with the head of the corresponding rib?

What is the function of the inferior costal facet on the body of the thoracic vertebra?

Which rib does the inferior costal facet articulate with?

What is the main characteristic of the thoracic vertebrae?

How do the thoracic vertebrae articulate with the ribs?

What is the purpose of the thoracic vertebrae articulating with ribs?

How many costal facets are present on each thoracic vertebra?

The joint between adjacent vertebrae is formed by a layer of hyaline cartilage on each vertebral body and an intervertebral disc, which lies between the layers.

The synovial joints between superior and inferior articular processes on adjacent vertebrae are the zygapophysial joints.
Each joint has a thin articular capsule attached to the margins of the articular facets.

These vertebrae are typical cervical vertebrae and have short bifid spinous processes.
They have transverse processes with anterior and posterior tubercles and transverse foramina for the vertebral vessels.
They provide an attachment site for the ligamentum nuchae, supraspinous ligaments, and numerous back muscles.

There are twelve thoracic vertebrae.
They are characterized by their articulation with ribs.
The superior costal facet on the body articulates with the head of the corresponding rib.
The inferior facet articulates with the subjacent rib (just below).