Thoracic vertebrae: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 01:08, 18 March 2025

Thoracic Vertebrae[edit]

The thoracic vertebrae are a group of twelve vertebrae located in the middle section of the vertebral column, specifically between the cervical vertebrae and the lumbar vertebrae. These vertebrae are designated as T1 through T12, with T1 being closest to the cervical vertebrae and T12 being closest to the lumbar vertebrae. The thoracic vertebrae play a crucial role in supporting the upper body and protecting the spinal cord.

Anatomy[edit]

Each thoracic vertebra has a characteristic structure that distinguishes it from the cervical and lumbar vertebrae. The thoracic vertebrae are unique in that they articulate with the ribs, forming the posterior part of the rib cage.

Vertebral Body[edit]

The vertebral body of a thoracic vertebra is heart-shaped and larger than that of the cervical vertebrae but smaller than the lumbar vertebrae. The superior and inferior surfaces of the vertebral body are slightly concave.

Vertebral Arch[edit]

The vertebral arch consists of the pedicles and laminae, which enclose the vertebral foramen. The vertebral foramen is circular and smaller than that of the cervical vertebrae.

Spinous Process[edit]

The spinous process of thoracic vertebrae is long and projects downward, overlapping the vertebra below. This overlapping provides additional protection to the spinal cord.

Articular Processes[edit]

The superior and inferior articular processes of thoracic vertebrae are oriented in a coronal plane, allowing for rotation and some lateral flexion but limiting flexion and extension.

Costal Facets[edit]

Thoracic vertebrae have costal facets on the sides of the vertebral bodies and on the transverse processes for articulation with the ribs. The superior and inferior costal facets on the vertebral body articulate with the head of the rib, while the transverse costal facet articulates with the tubercle of the rib.

Function[edit]

The primary functions of the thoracic vertebrae include:

Support: They support the weight of the upper body and provide attachment points for the ribs.
Protection: They protect the spinal cord within the vertebral canal.
Movement: They allow for limited movement, including rotation and lateral flexion, which is essential for activities such as breathing.

Clinical Significance[edit]

Thoracic vertebrae can be involved in various medical conditions, including:

Scoliosis: A lateral curvature of the spine that can affect the thoracic region.
Kyphosis: An excessive outward curvature of the spine, leading to a hunched back.
Compression fractures: Often due to osteoporosis, these fractures can occur in the thoracic vertebrae, leading to pain and deformity.

Related Pages[edit]

Gray's Anatomy[edit]

Anatomy atlases (external)[edit]

[1] - Anatomy Atlases

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-The 12 bones of the spine to which the ribs are attached. They lie between the cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) vertebrae and are characterized by the presence of facets for articulation with the ribs.
+== Thoracic Vertebrae ==
-[[Henry Gray]] (1821–1865).  Anatomy of the Human Body.  1918.
+The '''thoracic vertebrae''' are a group of twelve vertebrae located in the middle section of the vertebral column, specifically between the [[cervical vertebrae]] and the [[lumbar vertebrae]]. These vertebrae are designated as T1 through T12, with T1 being closest to the cervical vertebrae and T12 being closest to the lumbar vertebrae. The thoracic vertebrae play a crucial role in supporting the upper body and protecting the [[spinal cord]].
-'''[[3a. 2. The Thoracic Vertebræ]]'''
-'''[[(Vertebræ Thoracales)]]'''
-The '''[[thoracic vertebræ]]''' (Fig. 90) are intermediate in size between those of the cervical and lumbar regions; they increase in size from above downward, the upper vertebræ being much smaller than those in the lower part of the region. 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, except the eleventh and twelfth, for articulation with the tubercles of the ribs.
+[[File:Gray91.png|thumb|right|Diagram of a thoracic vertebra.]]
-<center>http://www.wikimd.org/images/gray/large/image90.gif </center>
+== Anatomy ==
-FIG. 90– A thoracic vertebra. (''Picture From the Classic Gray's Anatomy'')
+Each thoracic vertebra has a characteristic structure that distinguishes it from the cervical and lumbar vertebrae. The thoracic vertebrae are unique in that they articulate with the [[ribs]], forming the posterior part of the [[rib cage]].
-The '''[[bodies]]''' in the middle of the thoracic region are heart-shaped, and as broad in the antero-posterior as in the transverse direction. At the ends of the thoracic region they resemble respectively those of the cervical and lumbar vertebræ. They are slightly thicker behind than in front, flat above and below, convex from side to side in front, deeply concave behind, and slightly constricted laterally and in front. They present, on either side, two costal demi-facets, one above, near the root of the pedicle, the other below, in front of the inferior vertebral notch; these are covered with cartilage in the fresh state, and, when the vertebræ are articulated with one another, form, with the intervening intervertebral fibrocartilages, oval surfaces for the reception of the heads of the ribs. The '''[[pedicles]]''' are directed backward and slightly upward, and the inferior vertebral notches are of large size, and deeper than in any other region of the vertebral column.
-The '''[[laminæ]]''' are broad, thick, and imbricated—that is to say, they overlap those of subjacent vertebræ like tiles on a roof. The '''[[vertebral foramen]]''' is small, and of a circular form. The '''[[spinous process]]''' is long, triangular on coronal section, directed obliquely downward, and ends in a tuberculated extremity. These processes overlap from the fifth to the eighth, but are less oblique in direction above and below. The '''[[superior articular processes]]''' are thin plates of bone projecting upward from the junctions of the pedicles and laminæ; their articular facets are practically flat, and are directed backward and a little lateralward and upward. The '''[[inferior articular processes]]''' are fused to a considerable extent with the laminæ, and project but slightly beyond their lower borders; their facets are directed forward and a little medialward and downward. The '''[[transverse processes]]''' arise from the arch behind the superior articular processes and pedicles; they are thick, strong, and of considerable length, directed obliquely backward and lateralward, and each ends in a clubbed extremity, on the front of which is a small, concave surface, for articulation with the tubercle of a rib. The ''[[first, ninth, tenth, eleventh]]'' and ''[[twelfth]]'' thoracic vertebræ present certain peculiarities, and must be specially considered (Fig. 91).
+=== Vertebral Body ===
+The vertebral body of a thoracic vertebra is heart-shaped and larger than that of the cervical vertebrae but smaller than the lumbar vertebrae. The superior and inferior surfaces of the vertebral body are slightly concave.
-<center>http://www.wikimd.org/images/gray/large/image91.gif </center>
+=== Vertebral Arch ===
+The vertebral arch consists of the [[pedicles]] and [[laminae]], which enclose the vertebral foramen. The vertebral foramen is circular and smaller than that of the cervical vertebrae.
-FIG. 91– Peculiar thoracic vertebræ. (''Picture From the Classic Gray's Anatomy'')
+=== Spinous Process ===
-The '''[[First Thoracic Vertebra]]''' has, on either side of the '''[[body]]''' an entire articular facet for the head of the first rib, and a demi-facet for the upper half of the head of the second rib. The body is like that of a cervical vertebra, being broad transversely; its upper surface is concave, and lipped on either side. The '''[[superior articular surfaces]]''' are directed upward and backward; the '''[[spinous process]]''' is thick, long, and almost horizontal. The '''[[transverse processes]]''' are long, and the upper vertebral notches are deeper than those of the other thoracic vertebræ.
-The '''[[Ninth Thoracic Vertebra]]''' may have no demi-facets below. In some subjects however, it has two demi-facets on either side; when this occurs the tenth has only demi-facets at the upper part.
+The spinous process of thoracic vertebrae is long and projects downward, overlapping the vertebra below. This overlapping provides additional protection to the spinal cord.
-The '''[[Tenth Thoracic Vertebra]]''' has (except in the cases just mentioned) an entire articular facet on either side, which is placed partly on the lateral surface of the pedicle.
+=== Articular Processes ===
-In the '''[[Eleventh Thoracic Vertebra]]''' the '''[[body]]''' approaches in its form and size to that of the lumbar vertebræ. The articular facets for the heads of the ribs are of large size, and placed chiefly on the pedicles, which are thicker and stronger in this and the next vertebra than in any other part of the thoracic region. The '''[[spinous process]]''' is short, and nearly horizontal in direction. The '''[[transverse processes]]''' are very short, tuberculated at their extremities, and have no articular facets.
+The superior and inferior articular processes of thoracic vertebrae are oriented in a coronal plane, allowing for rotation and some lateral flexion but limiting flexion and extension.
-The '''[[Twelfth Thoracic Vertebra]]''' has the same general characteristics as the eleventh, but may be distinguished from it by its inferior articular surfaces being convex and directed lateralward, like those of the lumbar vertebræ; by the general form of the body, laminæ, and spinous process, in which it resembles the lumbar vertebræ; and by each transverse process being subdivided into three elevations, the superior, inferior, and lateral tubercles: the superior and inferior correspond to the mammillary and accessory processes of the lumbar vertebræ. Traces of similar elevations are found on the transverse processes of the tenth and eleventh thoracic vertebræ.
+=== Costal Facets ===
-<center>http://www.wikimd.org/images/gray/large/image92.gif </center>
+Thoracic vertebrae have costal facets on the sides of the vertebral bodies and on the transverse processes for articulation with the ribs. The superior and inferior costal facets on the vertebral body articulate with the head of the rib, while the transverse costal facet articulates with the tubercle of the rib.
-FIG. 92– A lumbar vertebra seen from the side. (''Picture From the Classic Gray's Anatomy'')
+== Function ==
-=[[Gray's Anatomy| Gray's Anatomy Contents]]  |   [[Gray's Anatomy Subject Index]]=
-'''[[Introduction to Gray's Anatomy| About Classic Gray's Anatomy]]'''
-{{Spinal nerves}}
+The primary functions of the thoracic vertebrae include:
-{{Bones of torso}}
-{{Portal bar|Anatomy}}
-{{Authority control}}
-[[Category:Bones of the thorax]]
+* '''Support''': They support the weight of the upper body and provide attachment points for the ribs.
-[[Category:Bones of the vertebral column]]
+* '''Protection''': They protect the spinal cord within the vertebral canal.
+* '''Movement''': They allow for limited movement, including rotation and lateral flexion, which is essential for activities such as breathing.
+== Clinical Significance ==
+Thoracic vertebrae can be involved in various medical conditions, including:
+* '''[[Scoliosis]]''': A lateral curvature of the spine that can affect the thoracic region.
+* '''[[Kyphosis]]''': An excessive outward curvature of the spine, leading to a hunched back.
+* '''[[Compression fractures]]''': Often due to osteoporosis, these fractures can occur in the thoracic vertebrae, leading to pain and deformity.
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Cervical vertebrae]]
+* [[Lumbar vertebrae]]
+* [[Rib cage]]
+* [[Spinal cord]]
+{{grays}}
+[[Category:Vertebral column]]