Thoracic

Question 1

Introduce the Thoracic cage:

Answer 1

Location: is the bony and cartilaginous structure found in the thorax between the cervical and lumbar regions that surrounds or creates a cage that encases the heart and lungs
Function: is to protect the heart and lungs, assist in respiration, provide sights for muscle attachments and protect some of the abdominal contents as well (liver, spleen and kidneys)
Structure: contains 12 x thoracic vertebrae and 12 x pairs of ribs with costal cartilage as well as the sternum (manubrium, body and xiphoid process)

Question 2

Introduce the thoracic vertebrae:

Answer 2

Location: in the spinal column between the cervical and lumbar vertebrae
Function: to provide structure to the spinal column, sight form muscle attachment, protect the spinal cord, is the origin of all posture and movement for the body
Structure: irregular bone

Question 3

What are the typical landmarks of the thoracic vertebrae and their characteristics:

Answer 3

• Body: heart shaped
• Vertebral Foramen: circular and small due to the lack of exiting spinal nerves for limbs
• Spinous process: is the longest of all vertebra, projects posteriorly and inferiorly, sharp
• Transverse processes: project laterally AND slightly posteriorly to accommodate the ribs and contain facets for the ribs
• Articular processes: containing the facets
  
  • Superior x 2
  • Inferior x2
• Facet orientation: (facet meaning face french)
  
  • superior facets directed posteriorly
  • Inferiorly facets directed anteriorly
• Size: T1-12 gradually increase in size

Question 4

What are the atypical landmarks of T1:

Answer 4

• superior articular facet is entirely circular shaped and complete
• Ribs only like thoracic vertebrae. Not Cx, so the first rib articulates SOLELY with T1 ensuring the superior articular facet is complete
• Inferior costal facet is still a demifacet
• Contains a transverse costal facet

Question 5

What are the atypical landmarks of T9:

Answer 5

Has no inferior facet

Question 6

What are the atypical landmarks of T10-12:

Answer 6

They have no inferior costal facet as the rib articulates entirely with the vertebrae of the same level

Question 7

What are the atypical landmarks of T10:

Answer 7

• Singular costal facet that is entirely circular shaped

- Has a transverse costal facet

Question 8

What are the atypical landmarks of T11-12:

Answer 8

• Contain a singular costal facet that is entirely circular shaped and often sits more posteriorly on the pedicle
  - DO NOT contain transverse costal facets