Thoracic Vertebrae Structure and Features

Thoracic Vertebrae Structure

• Typical thoracic vertebrae (T2-T9) consist of a body, vertebral arches, and seven processes.
• Costal facets on the thoracic vertebrae facilitate rib attachment.

Key Features of Thoracic Vertebrae

• Costal Facets (Demifacets):
  • Located on vertebral bodies for rib head articulation.
  • Each vertebra has superior and inferior costal facets in pairs, essential for rib attachment.
  • Atypical vertebrae (T10, T11, T12) possess one pair of whole costal facets.
• Transverse Processes:
  • Most thoracic vertebrae have costal facets for the articulation with rib tubercles.
  • The last two or three thoracic vertebrae lack these facets.
• Long Spinous Processes:
  • Spinous processes are elongated and downward sloping, overlapping the vertebra below.
  • This overlapping provides protection for the spinal cord against sharp objects.
• Articular Facets:
  • Superior articular facets face posteriorly, while inferior facets face anteriorly.
  • This orientation allows for limited rotational movement, restricted by the rib cage.

Rib Articulation

• Costovertebral Joints:
  • Connect ribs to thoracic vertebrae at two points of articulation.
  • The head of the rib articulates with two adjacent vertebral bodies.
  • The tubercle of the rib articulates with the transverse process of the corresponding vertebra.

Thorax Overview

• The thorax is situated between the neck and the abdomen, commonly referred to as the "chest."
• It has a truncated cone shape, being narrow at the top and wider near the abdomen, connecting to the abdominal cavity.

Structure of the Thorax

• The thoracic cage, also known as the rib cage, consists of ribs, costal cartilages, the sternum, and thoracic vertebrae.
• The diaphragm forms the floor of the thoracic cavity, is pushed upward by abdominal organs like the liver, and offers more protection to the abdomen than the lungs.

Thoracic Functionality

• The thorax plays a vital role in the respiratory and cardiovascular systems by housing the lungs and heart, facilitating breathing and blood circulation.

Divisions of the Thoracic Cavity

• The mediastinum is the central compartment that contains the heart and other thoracic organs (excluding the lungs).
• The pulmonary cavities are located on either side of the thorax, specifically accommodating the lungs.

Additional Important Structures

• Lungs occupy a significant portion of the thorax and are essential for gas exchange, allowing the intake of oxygen and expulsion of carbon dioxide.
• The heart and blood vessels are responsible for transporting blood to and from the lungs.
• The esophagus traverses the thoracic cavity, delivering food from the throat to the stomach.
• Breasts, while associated with the reproductive system, are located on the thoracic wall and are considered part of thoracic anatomy.

Explore the anatomy and key characteristics of typical thoracic vertebrae, focusing on their structure, costal facets, and processes. This quiz covers vital details about T2-T12 vertebrae, including their role in rib attachment and spinal protection.