Anatomic.us > Skeletal System Posterior

Thoracic Vertebra

Thoracic Vertebrae are twelve vertebrae out of 33 in Vertebral Column. They are present posterior to Thoracic cavity in connection with Ribs, hence named so. They are least mobile of the Vertebrae.

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Thoracic Vertebra

STRUCTURE AND POSITION 

  • Each of the Thoracic Vertebra is connected to the respective ribs on both sides and easily identifiable from other vertebrae by presence of the articular surfaces of the Ribs.
  • Thoracic Vertebrae become bigger progressively, cranial to caudal.
  • Thoracic Vertebrae have long spines projected posteroinferiorly, and they overlap each other.
  • Each Thoracic Vertebra has two Transverse Processes with articular surfaces for the Ribs on each side. Articular Facets for Ribs are also seen over the Body. They also have a Lamina, Superior and Inferior Articular Processes like typical Vertebrae.
  • Thoracic Vertebrae start just below the Cervical Vertebrae and end at Lumbar Vertebrae.

ARTICULATIONS 

Each Thoracic Vertebra articulates with 2 ribs and 2 vertebrae, one above and one below.

  • Each Thoracic Vertebra has Fibro Cartilaginous joints with superior and inferior adjacent Vertebrae. It joins their Bodies with each other.
  • Superior Articular Process of each Thoracic Vertebra articulates with the Inferior Articular Process of the Vertebra lying superior to it.
  • Ribs also articulate with the Thoracic Vertebrae. Head of each Rib forms a joint with the Body of the respective Thoracic Vertebra.
  • Costal Tubercle of each Rib forms joint with the articular surface over the Transverse Process of respective Thoracic Vertebra.

FUNCTION 

  • Thoracic Vertebrae provide strength to the Vertebral Column and Thorax for support of the structures present adjacent to them.
  • Thoracic Vertebrae also help in movement of the Rib Cage for breathing and other purposes.

STRUCTURE AND POSITION 

  • Each of the Thoracic Vertebra is connected to the respective ribs on both sides and easily identifiable from other vertebrae by presence of the articular surfaces of the Ribs.
  • Thoracic Vertebrae become bigger progressively, cranial to caudal.
  • Thoracic Vertebrae have long spines projected posteroinferiorly, and they overlap each other.
  • Each Thoracic Vertebra has two Transverse Processes with articular surfaces for the Ribs on each side. Articular Facets for Ribs are also seen over the Body. They also have a Lamina, Superior and Inferior Articular Processes like typical Vertebrae.
  • Thoracic Vertebrae start just below the Cervical Vertebrae and end at Lumbar Vertebrae.

ARTICULATIONS 

Each Thoracic Vertebra articulates with 2 ribs and 2 vertebrae, one above and one below.

  • Each Thoracic Vertebra has Fibro Cartilaginous joints with superior and inferior adjacent Vertebrae. It joins their Bodies with each other.
  • Superior Articular Process of each Thoracic Vertebra articulates with the Inferior Articular Process of the Vertebra lying superior to it.
  • Ribs also articulate with the Thoracic Vertebrae. Head of each Rib forms a joint with the Body of the respective Thoracic Vertebra.
  • Costal Tubercle of each Rib forms joint with the articular surface over the Transverse Process of respective Thoracic Vertebra.

FUNCTION 

  • Thoracic Vertebrae provide strength to the Vertebral Column and Thorax for support of the structures present adjacent to them.
  • Thoracic Vertebrae also help in movement of the Rib Cage for breathing and other purposes.
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