Thoracic Spine Anatomy and Biomechanics

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of the spinous processes in the thoracic spine?

After T9, the angle flattens out again. (correct)
T1-3 are angled directly anteriorly.
T7 is the least angled.
T4-6 are angled slightly upward.

Which of the following structures is NOT directly involved in the articulation between a rib and a thoracic vertebra?

Costochondral joint (correct)
Costotransverse joint
Intervertebral disc
Costovertebral joint

How does the orientation of the facet joints in the thoracic spine differ from those in the cervical spine?

Thoracic facet joints are angled at 45 degrees to all planes.
Thoracic facet joints are more vertical, favoring rotation and lateral flexion. (correct)
Thoracic facet joints are more horizontal, favoring flexion and extension.
Cervical and thoracic facet joints have the same orientation.

Which muscles are located in the posterior region of the trunk?

Latissimus dorsi and trapezius (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve(s) exit the thoracic spine?

12 thoracic spinal nerves (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is NOT typically associated with thoracic outlet syndrome?

Humerus (A) Signup and view all the answers

Approximately how much flexion is possible in the thoracic spine?

20-45 degrees (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the primary limitation to lateral flexion in the thoracic spine?

The presence of the ribs (C) Signup and view all the answers

What type of motion do ribs 1-6 primarily exhibit during respiration?

Pump handle motion (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which ribs primarily exhibit bucket handle motion during respiration?

Ribs 7-10 (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the arthrokinematics of the thoracic facet joints during flexion?

Superior glide (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the arthrokinematic motion of the facet joints during extension?

Inferior glide (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the arthrokinematic motion of the facet joints during axial rotation?

The facets on the side of rotation gap, while the opposite side compresses (C) Signup and view all the answers

During lateral flexion, which motion occurs at the superior facet on the ipsilateral side?

Inferior glide (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following motions is associated with "closing" of the facets in the thoracic spine?

Extension, contralateral rotation, ipsilateral lateral flexion (C) Signup and view all the answers

During thoracic flexion, how do the ribs typically move in relation to arthrokinematics?

Roll anteriorly and glide superiorly. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is correct regarding the angle of the spinous processes of the thoracic vertebrae?

T7 spinous process is the most angled. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the costotransverse joint?

Connects the rib to the transverse process of a vertebra. (C) Signup and view all the answers

The orientation of the facet joints in the thoracic spine favors what type of movement?

Rotation and lateral flexion (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which muscles are primarily involved in forced exhalation, assisting in depressing the rib cage?

Internal intercostals and abdominal muscles (B) Signup and view all the answers

Compression of the brachial plexus can occur between which two structures in the thoracic outlet?

Clavicle and first rib (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the MOST accurate regarding the osteokinematic motion of lateral flexion in the thoracic spine?

It is limited by the ribs. (C) Signup and view all the answers

During the 'pump handle' motion of the upper ribs (1-6), what is the primary movement observed?

Increased anterior-posterior diameter of the rib cage (D) Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during the 'bucket handle' motion of the ribs?

Increased lateral diameter of the rib cage (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the arthrokinematic motion of thoracic facet joints during extension?

Inferior and posterior glide (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following arthrokinematic motions occurs at the facet joints during lateral flexion to the right in the thoracic spine?

Right facet glides inferiorly, left facet glides superiorly (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which thoracic spinal motion is coupled with ipsilateral lateral flexion and involves the 'closing' of the facet joints?

Extension (C) Signup and view all the answers

During flexion of the thoracic spine, how does the anterior end of the ribs behave?

It narrows and depresses inferiorly. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

How many thoracic vertebrae are there?

There are 12 thoracic vertebrae in the spine.

T1-T3 spinous processes angle which way?

The spinous processes are angled directly posterior from T1-T3.