Thoracic vertebrae have superior articular facets that face in a posterolateral direction. The spinous process is long, relative to other regions, and is directed posteroinferiorly. This projection gradually increases as the column descends before decreasing rapidly from T9-T12.
What is the articular process of vertebra?
The articular processes or zygapophyses (Greek ζυγον = “yoke” (because it links two vertebrae) + απο = “away” + φυσις = “process”) of a vertebra are projections of the vertebra that serve the purpose of fitting with an adjacent vertebra. The actual region of contact is called the articular facet.
What does thoracic vertebrae articulate with?
Thoracic Vertebrae Each thoracic vertebra articulates with a pair of ribs. Each rib end articulates with demifacets above and below the discs to form synovial costovertebral joints as well as the thoracic transverse processes to form costotransverse joints.
How many articulations does a thoracic vertebrae have?
6 facets
There are 6 facets per thoracic vertebrae: 2 on the transverse processes and 4 demifacets. The facets of the transverse processes articulate with the tubercle of the associated rib. The demifacets are bilaterally paired and located on the superior and inferior posterolateral aspects of the vertebrae.
Which vertebrae have bifid spinous process?
Cervical Vertebrae A typical cervical vertebra has a small body, a bifid spinous process, transverse processes that have a transverse foramen and are curved for spinal nerve passage.
Where is T5 and T6 in the spine?
T5: Fifth thoracic vertebra. T6: Sixth thoracic vertebra. T7: Seventh thoracic vertebra.
Where are articular processes?
Normal Anatomy The articular processes’ synovial intervertebral articulation complex is located dorsal to the vertebral canal and is composed of the caudal articular process of one vertebra, the joint space, and the cranial articular process of the following vertebra (Figures 52-12 through 52-14).
What are the four articular processes?
Four articular processes originate from the joint between the pedicles and laminae, two point superiorly and two point inferiorly. They interact with the zyhapophysis, a socket for the articular processes, of the adjacent vertebrae to make the spine more stable and to facilitate a small degree of articulation.
What does the superior articular facet articulate with?
Superior articular facet (Facies articularis superior) is an oval-shaped, concave structure on the superior aspect of the lateral mass. It articulates with an occipital condyle on the underside skull.
What articulates with the superior articular facet of thoracic vertebrae?
The superior demifacet of a thoracic vertebra articulates with the corresponding rib (costovertebral joint). This rib articulates again with the costal facet on the transverse process (costotransverse joint).
What does the Dens articulate with?
One of the most prominent features of the axis bone is a superior, tooth-like projection called the odontoid process (or dens). articulates with the anterior arch of the atlas bone, where they form a pivot joint.
What is the difference between vertebral foramina and intervertebral foramina?
The vertebral foramen provides for passage of the spinal cord. The intervertebral foramen is the opening formed between adjacent vertebrae for the exit of a spinal nerve.
