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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of costal facets found on thoracic vertebrae?
What is the primary function of costal facets found on thoracic vertebrae?
How do the articular facets of thoracic vertebrae face?
How do the articular facets of thoracic vertebrae face?
Which thoracic vertebrae contain a single pair of whole costal facets?
Which thoracic vertebrae contain a single pair of whole costal facets?
What feature of thoracic vertebrae provides protection to the spinal cord?
What feature of thoracic vertebrae provides protection to the spinal cord?
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How do costovertebral joints function in relation to ribs?
How do costovertebral joints function in relation to ribs?
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What shape is the thoracic cavity described as?
What shape is the thoracic cavity described as?
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What is the primary function of the diaphragm?
What is the primary function of the diaphragm?
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Which compartment of the thoracic cavity contains the heart?
Which compartment of the thoracic cavity contains the heart?
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How does the thorax contribute to the respiratory system?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.