Thoracic Vertebrae Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of typical thoracic vertebrae?

Triangular vertebral canal

Prominent transverse processes without facets

Large, kidney-shaped body

Heart-shaped body (correct)

What characterizes the spinous processes of thoracic vertebrae T9, T10, T11, and T12?

Broad and flat

Short and thick

Absence of inferior facets (correct)

Long and downwards directed

Which lumbar vertebra feature is specifically described?

Superior facets have a smooth surface

Spinous processes are rectangular and project backwards (correct)

Transverse processes are small

Vertebral canal is larger than thoracic spine

What is unique about lumbar vertebrae compared to thoracic vertebrae?

Body is large, wide, and kidney-shaped Signup and view all the answers

What type of shape does the vertebral foramen of typical thoracic vertebrae have?

Rounded or oval Signup and view all the answers

For which lumbar vertebra is the pars interarticularis specifically mentioned?

Not specified for any lumbar vertebra Signup and view all the answers

Which thoracic vertebrae category include atypical features like facets for articulation?

T1 Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the processes of thoracic vertebra from lumbar vertebra?

Lumbar processes are smaller and less prominent Signup and view all the answers

What is the general shape of the body of typical thoracic vertebrae?

Heart-shaped Signup and view all the answers

Which lumbar vertebrae features a rectangular spinous process that projects backward?

All lumbar vertebrae Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following features is specific to T1 among thoracic vertebrae?

Body has facets for articulation with the 1st and 2nd ribs Signup and view all the answers

Which thoracic vertebra may lack an inferior demifacet?

T9 Signup and view all the answers

How many facets are typically found on each typical thoracic vertebra?

4 Signup and view all the answers

What shape is the vertebral canal of lumbar vertebrae?

Triangular Signup and view all the answers

Which lumbar vertebra lacks inferior facets for articulation?

L12 Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic feature do superior processes of lumbar vertebrae have?

Round projection called mamillary processes Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Thoracic Vertebrae

Typical vertebrae range from T2 to T8.
T1 is atypical.
Vertebrae 9-12 are atypical.

Thoracic Vertebrae Description

Body: Heart-shaped.
Facets: Articulate with ribs (2 superior, 2 inferior on each vertebra).
Vertebral Arch: Formed by laminae and pedicles. Laminæ and pedicles are relatively short; producing a smaller vertebral arch. Pedicles extend backward.
Vertebral Foramen: Rounded/oval shape, relatively small.
Transverse Processes: Bilateral, thick, strong and prominent. Facets for articulating with rib tubercles (ribs 1-10).
Spinous Processes: Long, slender, midline, directed downward (except for T9, T10, T11, T12)
Superior and Inferior Facets: Articulate with ribs and adjacent vertebrae.
Demi-facets: Found on thoracic vertebrae where a facet is present on both superior and inferior parts of a vertebra.

Special Features of T1, T9-T12

T1: Long, thick spinous process; articulates with ribs 1 and 2.
T9: Inferior demifacets for articulation with ribs may be absent.
T10: Costal facets for articulation with rib 10.
T11: Superior facets for articulation with rib 11. Lack inferior facets; thin transverse process.
T12: Superior facets for articulation with rib 12. Lack inferior facets; thin transverse process.

Lumbar Vertebrae

Larger than cervical and thoracic vertebrae.
Body: Large, wide, kidney-shaped.
Vertebral Arch: Short, thick laminae directed downward. Short, thick pedicles.
Vertebral Canal: Triangular in shape; larger than thoracic spine, but smaller than cervical spine.
Spinous process: Rectangular, thick, strong, and projects backwards.
Transverse processes: Bilateral, long, and thin.
Articular Processes: Superior processes have a rough elevation (mammillary processes) on their posterior aspect.
Pars Interarticularis: Small portion of bone between superior and inferior articulatory processes.
Articulatory Facets: Two facets (superior and inferior). Inferior facets are vertical, facing laterally and anteriorly. Superior facets are vertical and face medially and posteriorly.
Fifth Lumbar Vertebra: Largest; extremely large transverse processes attached to the entire pedicle and some portion of the vertebral body.

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Description

This quiz explores the anatomy and characteristics of thoracic vertebrae, specifically from T2 to T8, including the atypical T1 and T9-T12. Understand the structure such as body shape, facets, vertebral arch, and special features of these vertebrae. Test your knowledge on their unique anatomy and articulation with ribs.