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Questions and Answers
There are 14 thoracic vertebrae in the spine.
There are 14 thoracic vertebrae in the spine.
False (B)
The spinous processes of T4-6 are angled slightly upward.
The spinous processes of T4-6 are angled slightly upward.
False (B)
The angle of the spinous processes flattens out again after T9.
The angle of the spinous processes flattens out again after T9.
True (A)
Each thoracic vertebra attaches to 14 pairs of ribs at the costal facets.
Each thoracic vertebra attaches to 14 pairs of ribs at the costal facets.
The costotransverse joint connects the rib to the transverse process of a vertebra.
The costotransverse joint connects the rib to the transverse process of a vertebra.
Facet joints in the thoracic spine are oriented more horizontally compared to the cervical spine.
Facet joints in the thoracic spine are oriented more horizontally compared to the cervical spine.
Thoracic facet joints are oriented at approximately 40 degrees to the transverse plane.
Thoracic facet joints are oriented at approximately 40 degrees to the transverse plane.
The serratus posterior inferior is located in the anterior muscles of the thorax.
The serratus posterior inferior is located in the anterior muscles of the thorax.
The pectoralis minor is an anterior muscle involved in movements of the arm and shoulder.
The pectoralis minor is an anterior muscle involved in movements of the arm and shoulder.
The thoracic spine has 10 pairs of spinal nerves emerging from it.
The thoracic spine has 10 pairs of spinal nerves emerging from it.
The brachial plexus passes through the thoracic outlet.
The brachial plexus passes through the thoracic outlet.
The thoracic outlet is bordered by the clavicle superiorly and the 2nd rib inferiorly.
The thoracic outlet is bordered by the clavicle superiorly and the 2nd rib inferiorly.
The scalene muscles which pass through the thoracic outlet are the anterior and posterior scalenes.
The scalene muscles which pass through the thoracic outlet are the anterior and posterior scalenes.
Osteokinematics describes the movement of joint surfaces relative to one another.
Osteokinematics describes the movement of joint surfaces relative to one another.
Normal flexion range of motion in the thoracic spine typically reaches 60-75 degrees.
Normal flexion range of motion in the thoracic spine typically reaches 60-75 degrees.
Rotation in the thoracic spine usually exceeds that of flexion and extension.
Rotation in the thoracic spine usually exceeds that of flexion and extension.
Lateral flexion in the thoracic spine is primarily limited by the transverse processes.
Lateral flexion in the thoracic spine is primarily limited by the transverse processes.
During inspiration, ribs 1-6 primarily exhibit a 'bucket handle' motion.
During inspiration, ribs 1-6 primarily exhibit a 'bucket handle' motion.
Ribs 11 and 12 primarily exhibit a 'caliper' motion during respiration.
Ribs 11 and 12 primarily exhibit a 'caliper' motion during respiration.
Arthrokinematics refers to the movement of bones in space.
Arthrokinematics refers to the movement of bones in space.
During extension in the thoracic spine, the facet joints typically glide in a superior direction.
During extension in the thoracic spine, the facet joints typically glide in a superior direction.
With flexion of the thoracic spine, the articular surfaces of the facet joints glide superiorly.
With flexion of the thoracic spine, the articular surfaces of the facet joints glide superiorly.
During lateral flexion to the right, the ipsilateral (right) facet glides superiorly.
During lateral flexion to the right, the ipsilateral (right) facet glides superiorly.
During rotation to the left in the thoracic spine, both facet joints on the left side approximate.
During rotation to the left in the thoracic spine, both facet joints on the left side approximate.
In lateral flexion, the rib on the side of the concavity moves inferiorly.
In lateral flexion, the rib on the side of the concavity moves inferiorly.
During thoracic spine flexion, the ribs roll posteriorly and glide inferiorly.
During thoracic spine flexion, the ribs roll posteriorly and glide inferiorly.
During thoracic spine flexion, the anterior aspect of the ribs widen and elevates.
During thoracic spine flexion, the anterior aspect of the ribs widen and elevates.
During thoracic spine extension, the ribs rotate posteriorly and glide inferiorly.
During thoracic spine extension, the ribs rotate posteriorly and glide inferiorly.
Facet joint approximation corresponds to flexion, contralateral rotation, and ipsilateral lateral flexion.
Facet joint approximation corresponds to flexion, contralateral rotation, and ipsilateral lateral flexion.
Limited thoracic spine mobility can affect shoulder movement.
Limited thoracic spine mobility can affect shoulder movement.
Flashcards
How many thoracic vertebrae?
How many thoracic vertebrae?
There are 12 thoracic vertebrae in the spine.
Thoracic Spinous Processes
Thoracic Spinous Processes
T1-T3 are angled directly posterior. T4-T6 angled slightly downward. T7 is the most angled.
Costal Facets
Costal Facets
These connect the ribs to the vertebrae.
Costovertebral and Costotransverse Joints
Costovertebral and Costotransverse Joints
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Thoracic Facet Joint Orientation
Thoracic Facet Joint Orientation
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Brachial Plexus Location
Brachial Plexus Location
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Thoracic Outlet Boundaries
Thoracic Outlet Boundaries
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Thoracic Flexion Range
Thoracic Flexion Range
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Thoracic Extension Range
Thoracic Extension Range
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Thoracic Rotation Range
Thoracic Rotation Range
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Thoracic Lateral Flexion Range
Thoracic Lateral Flexion Range
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Lateral Flexion Limitation
Lateral Flexion Limitation
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Pump Handle Motion Ribs
Pump Handle Motion Ribs
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Bucket Handle Motion Ribs
Bucket Handle Motion Ribs
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Facet Joint Movement in Flexion
Facet Joint Movement in Flexion
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Facet Joint Movement in Extension
Facet Joint Movement in Extension
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Thoracic Rotation Movement
Thoracic Rotation Movement
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Facet Joint Movement in Lateral Flexion
Facet Joint Movement in Lateral Flexion
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Rib Movement in Flexion
Rib Movement in Flexion
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Rib Movement in Extension
Rib Movement in Extension
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Study Notes
Thoracic Spine Anatomy and Kinematics
- Objectives are to understand the normal anatomy, osteo, and arthrokinematics of the thoracic spine.
Vertebrae
- There are 12 thoracic vertebrae.
- T1-3 spinous processes are angled directly posterior.
- T4-6 spinous processes are angled slightly downward.
- T7 spinous process is the the most angled.
- The angle of the spinuous process flattens out again after T9.
- There are articular and also costal facets.
Ribs
- There are 12 ribs.
- Costovertebral and costotransverse joints are present.
Facet Joints
- The joints are more vertical compared to the cervical spine, which allows for rotation / lateral flexion.
- Facet joints are at a sixty degree angle to the transverse plane and a twenty degree angle to the frontal plane.
Muscles
- Posterior muscles exist in this area.
- Anterior and lateral muscles exist in this area.
Nerves
- Twelve spinal nerves are in this area.
- The Brachial Plexus is in this area
- The Brachial Plexus passes over the first rib and clavicle.
- The sympathetic chain ganglion is a component.
Thoracic Outlet Nerves
- The clavicle (superior) and first rib (inferior) impact this area.
- The scalenes (anterior + middle) and pectoralis minor muscles impact this area.
Osteokinematics
- Flexion range is 20-45 degrees.
- Extension range is 25-45 degrees.
- Rotation range is 35-50 degrees.
- Lateral Flexion range is 20-40 degrees.
- Lateral flexion is limited by the ribs.
- Ribs 1-6 perform a "pump handle motion."
- Ribs 7-10 perform a "bucket handle motion."
- Ribs 11+12 perform a "caliper action."
Arthrokinematics
- Thoracic facets glide without roll.
Arthrokinematics - Flexion
- Facet joints glide superiorly during flexion.
Arthrokinematics - Extension
- Facet joints glide inferiorly during extension.
Arthrokinematics - Rotation
- There is a small movement at each joint.
- The joints slide laterally.
Arthrokinematics - Lateral Flexion
- The ipsilateral superior facet glides inferior.
- The contralateral superior facet glides superior.
- Lateral flexion is limited by the ribs.
Arthrokinematics - Facets
- "Closing" of facets involves extension, contralateral rotation, and ipsilateral lateral flexion.
- "Opening" of facets involves flexion, contralateral lateral flexion, and ipsilateral rotation.
Arthrokinematics - Ribs
- During flexion, ribs roll anterior and glide superior, which causes the anterior end to narrows and depress.
- During extension, ribs roll posterior and glide inferior, which causes the anterior end widens and elevates.
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