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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of costal facets found on thoracic vertebrae?
How do the articular facets of thoracic vertebrae face?
Which thoracic vertebrae contain a single pair of whole costal facets?
What feature of thoracic vertebrae provides protection to the spinal cord?
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How do costovertebral joints function in relation to ribs?
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What shape is the thoracic cavity described as?
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What is the primary function of the diaphragm?
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Which compartment of the thoracic cavity contains the heart?
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How does the thorax contribute to the respiratory system?
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What is one of the main roles of the heart within the thorax?
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Which organ is primarily responsible for gas exchange within the thorax?
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What structure lies at the lower part of the thorax providing protection to the abdomen?
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Which of the following is NOT a part of the thoracic cage structure?
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In addition to the heart and lungs, which structure passes through the thoracic cavity?
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Study Notes
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
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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.
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Transverse Processes:
- Most thoracic vertebrae have costal facets for the articulation with rib tubercles.
- The last two or three thoracic vertebrae lack these facets.
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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.
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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
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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.
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Description
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.