Thoracic Vertebrae and Ribs

Front

What are the characteristics of non-typical thoracic vertebra T9?

Back

1. Body: large 2. Large superior semicircular facet (for the head of the 9th rib) 3. Small inferior semilunar facet (for part of head of 10th rib) 4. Transverse process has a costal facet.

Front

What are the characteristics of non-typical thoracic vertebra T10?

Back

1. Body is large 2. One large superior semicircular facet (for the head of 10th rib) 3. Transverse process has a small costal facet.

Front

What are the characteristics of non-typical thoracic vertebra T11?

Back

1. Body is large 2. One complete circular facet above (for head of 11th rib) 3. The transverse process is small & has no costal facet.

Front

What are the characteristics of non-typical thoracic vertebra T12?

Back

Almost similar to T11, differs in: 1. Complete circular facet on the body encroaches on the middle of the pedicle 2. Inferior articular facet is directed laterally instead of forwards.

Front

How many pairs of ribs do humans have?

Back

12 pairs.

Front

Do all ribs articulate posteriorly with thoracic vertebrae?

Back

Yes, all ribs articulate posteriorly with the bodies of the thoracic vertebrae.

Front

What are the classifications of ribs based on their relation to the sternum?

Back

1. True ribs: Ribs 1-7 2. False ribs: Ribs 8th, 9th, 10th 3. Floating ribs: Ribs 11th & 12th.

Front

What are the classifications of ribs based on their relation to the vertebral column?

Back

1. Typical ribs: 3 to 9 (poster end / head articulates with 2 thoracic vertebrae & intervertebral disc) 2. Non-typical ribs: 1, 2, 10, 11 & 12 (articulates with corresponding number of vertebra).

Front

What are the general features of typical ribs (3 to 9)?

Back

Three parts: 1. Anterior end: Articulates with costal cartilages. 2. Shaft: Cylindrical, Flattened: 2 borders & 2 surfaces, Costal groove. 3. Posterior end: Head, Neck, Tubercle.

Front

How to identify the side of typical ribs?

Back

1. The rounded is the upper border of the shaft 2. Shaft concave medially 3. Anterior end has a cup-shaped concavity.