Скачать или смотреть Thoracic Vertebrae - Atypical Vertebrae

Out of the 33 bones of the spinal column, 12 of these make up the thoracic vertebrae. We will learn anatomy, functions, ligaments, muscles, special features, and interesting facts about the thoracic vertebrae, in this lecture.

The spinal or vertebral column is basically divided into five main parts:
🟡 Cervical Vertebrae
🟡 Thoracic Vertebrae
🟡 Lumbar Vertebrae
🟡 Sacral Vertebrae
🟡 Coccyx Vertebrae

▬ Thoracic Vertebrae ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
Present between the cervical and lumbar regions of the spinal column, we have the thoracic vertebrae. As mentioned, before they are a group of 12 small bones that make up the posterior part of the thoracic wall. The thoracic spine teams up with the ribs and sternum to form the thoracic cage. They all play a major role in protecting the organs in our chest like our heart, lungs, esophagus, and many other structures. To learn more about the bony thorax, check out this lecture: “Bony Thorax and Joints”

▬ Types of Thoracic Vertebrae ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
The thoracic vertebrae are categorized into two main types:
🟠 Typical Thoracic Vertebrae- Range from T2 till T8
🟠 Atypical Thoracic Vertebrae- T1 has a unique shape than other thoracic vertebrae, also T9. T10, T11, and T12

▬ Unique Features of Thoracic Vertebrae ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
Each portion of the spinal column has a characteristic vertebral shape according to its particular function and location. The thoracic vertebrae have four features which distinguish them from other vertebrae:
🔵 Thoracic vertebrae have a heart-shaped vertebral body.
🔵 On both sides of the vertebral body, thoracic vertebrae have articulating facets for the attachment of ribs called demi-facets.
🔵 Ribs also articulate with costal facets, present on the transverse processes of T1 to T10 vertebrae.
🔵 They also possess long spinal processes that are pointed downwards. This provides increased protection to the spinal cord.

There are also unique joints formed at the vertebral spine. These are the costovertebral and costotransverse joints:
🔹The costovertebral joint- formed with the head of the rib and demi-facets
🔹The costotransverse joints- where the rib articulates with the costal facet

It is important to learn these for your anatomy exam. So, we will go into the details of each in this lecture.