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?

<p>Body is large, wide, and kidney-shaped (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Rounded or oval (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

For which lumbar vertebra is the pars interarticularis specifically mentioned?

<p>Not specified for any lumbar vertebra (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>T1 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the processes of thoracic vertebra from lumbar vertebra?

<p>Lumbar processes are smaller and less prominent (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Heart-shaped (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>All lumbar vertebrae (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Body has facets for articulation with the 1st and 2nd ribs (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which thoracic vertebra may lack an inferior demifacet?

<p>T9 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>4 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What shape is the vertebral canal of lumbar vertebrae?

<p>Triangular (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which lumbar vertebra lacks inferior facets for articulation?

<p>L12 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic feature do superior processes of lumbar vertebrae have?

<p>Round projection called mamillary processes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Typical Thoracic Vertebrae (T2-T8)

Thoracic vertebrae between T2 and T8, sharing similar characteristics. Larger than cervical, with a heart-shaped body and facets for rib articulation.

Thoracic Vertebrae Body Shape

The body of a typical thoracic vertebra is heart-shaped. Facets on the side articulate with ribs.

Thoracic Vertebrae Facets

Thoracic vertebra have facets for articulating with the heads of ribs. Four (2 superior, 2 inferior) facets per vertebra.

Thoracic Vertebral Arch

The vertebral arch in typical thoracic vertebrae is made of short laminae and pedicles, leading to a small vertebral arch.

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Atypical Thoracic Vertebrae (T1, T9-T12)

Thoracic vertebrae (T1, T9-T12) that differ from the typical shape and structure; they have adapted characteristics for specific rib connections.

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Lumbar Vertebrae Characteristics

Lumbar vertebrae are larger than both cervical and thoracic. Their bodies are large, wide, and kidney-shaped.

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Lumbar Vertebral Arch

The lumbar vertebral arch has short, thick laminae and pedicles, that project downward.

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Mamillary Processes (Lumbar)

Lumbar vertebrae have projections termed mamillary processes, visible on superior articular processes.

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Thoracic Vertebra Shape

Thoracic vertebrae are generally smaller than lumbar and larger than cervical vertebrae. They have a heart-shaped body.

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Where are the facets?

On the sides of the thoracic vertebra's body, you'll find facets for rib articulation. There are four facets per vertebra: 2 superior and 2 inferior.

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T1: Atypical Thoracic Vertebra

The first thoracic vertebra, T1, is atypical due to its unique facets for articulation with both the first and second ribs.

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T9-T12: Atypical Thoracic Vertebrae

Thoracic vertebrae T9-T12 have unique features. They lose the facets for the lower ribs. T10 specifically might lack the inferior facet for the 10th rib.

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Lumbar Vertebra Size

Lumbar vertebrae are the largest of all vertebrae. They have a wide and kidney-shaped body, which withstands the weight of the upper body.

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Lumbar Mamillary Processes

Lumbar vertebrae have mamillary processes, which are projections on the posterior aspect of their superior articular processes.

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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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