The first 10 thoracic vertebrae have facets on each transverse process that articulate with the tubercles of ribs and are called costotransverse joints which part of the thoracic vertebrae is unique in that this long process is projected so far inferiorly, which is best seen on a lateral view. The spine in the upper back and abdomen is known as the thoracic spine. T2t8 have superior and inferior demifacets for head of ribs. Of, relating to, or situated in or near the thorax. Above are the cervical vertebrae and below are the lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal vertebrae. The thoracic spine is part of the vertebral column that supports the chest area and provides posterior attachment for the ribs, some thoracic wall muscles, muscles of the upper limb, abdomen, and back. The thorax is the body cavity, surrounded by the bony rib cage, that contains the heart and lungs, the great vessels, the esophagus and trachea, the thoracic duct, and the autonomic innervation for these structures. Thoracic cavity, also called chest cavity, the second largest hollow space of the body. The inferior boundary of the thoracic cavity is the respiratory diaphragm, which separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities. For each of the 12 thoracic vertebrae, there is a corresponding pair of ribs attached to them. Each spinal segment includes two vertebrae separated by an intervertebral disc, the nerves that leave the spinal column at each vertebra, and the small facet joints that link each level of the spinal column.
The thoracic spine provides flexibility that holds the body upright and protects the organs of the chest. Thoracic spine is the central part of the spine, also called as dorsal spine, which runs from the base of the neck to the bottom of your rib cage. Thoracic vertebrae article about thoracic vertebrae by. For a basic anatomic description of the structure of typical vertebrae, see vertebrae. We hope this picture the thoracic spine anatomy can help you study and research. Every vertebra has a body, which consists of a large anterior middle portion called the centrum plural centra and a posterior vertebral arch, also called a neural arch. The thoracic spine lies between the superior cervical spine and the inferior lumbar spine. They are distinguished by the presence of facets on the sides of the bodies for articulation with the heads of the ribs, and facets on the transverse processes of all.
For the purpose of mapping surface anatomy, each pedicle was cleaned, spraypainted white, and marked with more than 100 fine points. This anatomy section promotes the use of the terminologia anatomica, the international standard of anatomical nomenclature. There were thoracic vertebrae with a total thoracic column length of 7. The vertebral column, also known as the backbone or spine, is part of the axial skeleton. It is one of the three major sections of the spinal column. The spinal column vertebral column or backbone provides both structural and nervous system support for your entire body.
Thoracic human vertebrae quantitative threedimensional. Each rib is firmly connected to each level of the thoracic spine. Each thoracic vertebra articulates with a pair of ribs at facets or small depressions on the vertebral bodies and transverse. T9 has a superior demifacets t10t12 have superior facet. The thoracic vertebrae are represented by the symbols t1 through t12. Concept information bones twelve primary vertebrae, 24 individual ribs, 1 manubrium number of dedicated joints. Because of their association with the ribs they are the least mobile of the. The section of the spinal column called the thoracic spine begins below the cervical spine c7, neck, roughly at shoulder level and continues downward until it reaches the first level of the low back l1, lumbar spine. The twelve thoracic vertebrae make up the middle portion of the vertebral column. Thoracic spine anatomy, new york dorsal spine anatomy. The thoracic spine has 12 vertebrae stacked on top of each other, labeled from t1 down to t12. They are distinguished by the presence of facets on the sides of the bodies for articulation with the heads of the ribs, and facets on the transverse processes of.
The thoracic spine was found to have three distinct regions. Thoracic vertebrae definition of thoracic vertebrae by. The 12 thoracic vertebrae are situated between the cervical neck vertebrae and the lumbar vertebrae. The vertebrae support the body and provide the protective bony corridor the spinal or vertebral canal through which the spinal cord passes. You may not embed one of our images on your web page without a link back to our site. They are easily identified by the costal facets formed on their bodies and transverse processes. The vertebral column is the defining characteristic of a vertebrate in which the notochord a flexible rod of uniform composition found in all chordates has been replaced by a segmented series of bone. Given the twelve thoracic vertebrae are largely similar, most are considered typical thoracic vertebrae with the exceptions t1 and t9 to t12. In humans, there are twelve thoracic vertebrae and they are intermediate in size between the cervical and lumbar vertebrae. Typical thoracic vertebrae radiology reference article. The thoracic vertebrae are the rib bearing vertebrae.
These vertebrae form the foundation of the thoracic regions sturdy spinal column that supports the neck above, the rib cage, soft. This cancellous bone is in turn, covered by a thin coating of. T2 is unusual as it bears a long dorsal spine that is further extended by a pointed cartilage, which may ossify in adulthood johnson et al. In order to simplify the mechanics of expanding the chest to breath, the thoracic spine is designed to remain stiff and straight no matter what the body is doing. Articulations with the ribs that correspond in number. T1 has a superior facet and inferior demifacets for head of ribs. Anatomy of the thoracic wall, pulmonary cavities, and. This study details the quantitative threedimensional surface anatomy of thoracic vertebrae based on a study of 144 vertebrae. Fifteen vertebrae distributed equally among the upper, middle, and lower thoracic regions were used. We are pleased to provide you with the picture named the thoracic spine anatomy. Vertebral body shape variation in the thoracic and lumbar. A good way to understand the anatomy of the thoracic spine is to visualize one spinal segment in relation to the anatomy described above. This is unique since no other vertebrae have ribs attached.
Thoracic vertebrae t1t12thoracic vertebrae t1t12 43 43. There are twelve thoracic vertebrae, named t1t12, specialized for stability. The body is composed of cancellous bone, which is the spongy type of osseous tissue, whose microanatomy has been specifically studied within the pedicle bones. General information regarding the thoracic spine region. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The 33 bones that make up the spine differ considerably in size and structure according to location.
There are 12 thoracic vertebrae denoted as t1t12 found in adult humans, and they are situated in between the cervical and lumbar vertebrae, with a general sizing larger than the cervical but smaller than the lumbar vertebrae. Thoracic spine anatomy and palpation with michael lucido duration. Presence of demifacets on the sides of each vertebral body. Thoracic anatomy encompasses the anatomy of all structures of the thorax. The thoracic vertebrae form the thoracic spine, a slightly dorsoconvex bony rod, characterized by its limited flexibility. However, it is worth noting here that thoracic discs are narrower and flatter than those in the cervical and lumbar spine.
If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Movements of the thoracic vertebrae are limited by thin intervetebral disc and by attachment of. Thoracic definition of thoracic by the free dictionary. The main differences between other vertebrae cervical and lumbar are. The thoracic spine aids in keeping the body upright, protects vital chest organs and articulates with each rib to form the rib cage. Thoracic vertebra definition of thoracic vertebra by the. They get progressively larger from cranial to caudal in the vertebral column.
The thoracic vertebrae, of which there are twelve, are the most numerous type of vertebrae. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. The majority of the thoracic vertebrae articulate with both the head capitulum and tubercle of a rib. Twelve vertebrae, numbered t1 through t12 from top to bottom, make up the thoracic spine. The vertebral column houses the spinal canal, a cavity that. The two end segments appear to be transitional zones. The thoracic spine anatomy anatomy note anatomy is a.
Other articles where thoracic vertebra is discussed. It contains the lungs, the middle and lower airwaysthe tracheobronchial treethe heart. Cervical and thoracic spine anatomy flashcards quizlet. The thoracic spine sits between the cervical spine in the neck. If you would like a large, unwatermarked image for your web page or. Made up of 34 bones, the spinal column holds the body upright, allows it to bend and twist with ease and provides a conduit for major nerves running from the brain to the tips of the toesand everywhere in between. In vertebrates, thoracic vertebrae compose the middle segment of the vertebral column, between the cervical vertebrae and the lumbar vertebrae. Spinal anatomy center cervical, thoracic, and lumbar. The 12 thoracic vertebrae are intermediate in size between. An anatomic study on aged cadaveric thoracic and lumbar dissected vertebrae t1l5, demonstrated that the vertebral bodies are anteriorly wedged from t1 through l2 peak at t7, nonwedged at l3. It is enclosed by the ribs, the vertebral column, and the sternum, or breastbone, and is separated from the abdominal cavity the bodys largest hollow space by a muscular and membranous partition, the diaphragm.
979 1300 945 672 1282 10 520 113 888 1088 824 790 1543 1337 313 1034 243 1502 1382 1182 240 1096 1285 1594 1607 301 673 856 379 536 1312 1124 1416 1245 1239 183 1153 1326 353 525 95