3D CONTENT
3D OSTEOLOGY
3D THORAX

THORACIC VERTEBRAE ANATOMY

Author: Dr. Bogdan Leahu
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Thoracic skeleton anatomy 360-degree interactive viewer showing twelve thoracic vertebrae with rib articulations and costal facets
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

  • The thoracic spine comprises twelve vertebrae that increase in size from top to bottom
  • Uniquely designed for rib articulation
  • Heart-shaped vertebral bodies of near-equal width and depth
  • Spinous processes angle downward
  • Rib attachment is facilitated by specialized costal facets

COSTAL FACETS

Thoracic vertebra 360-degree viewer showing superior and inferior costal facets on vertebral body for rib head articulation
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Thoracic Vertebra - Superior and Inferior Costal Facets, Preview from the app. Download 3D OSTEOLOGY for full 3D control—multiple views, x-ray mode, and unlimited zoom.

Superior Costal Facet

  • Located on the side of the vertebra near the base of the pedicle
  • Articulates with the head of the rib, forming a sturdy connection

Inferior Costal Facet

  • Positioned lower on the vertebra, just above the inferior notch
  • Forms an oval surface for articulation with the lower part of the rib's head

TRANSVERSE COSTAL FACET

Thoracic vertebra 360-degree viewer showing transverse costal facet on transverse process for rib tubercle articulation
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Thoracic Vertebra - Transverse Costal Facet, Preview from the app. Download 3D OSTEOLOGY for full 3D control—multiple views, x-ray mode, and unlimited zoom.

  • Found on the transverse process (wing-like structure of the vertebra)
  • Accommodates the tubercle of the rib for articulation

FIRST THORACIC VERTEBRA (T1)

  • Distinctive features that set it apart from other thoracic vertebrae:
    • Full facet on each side for the first rib
    • Smaller demi-facet for the upper part of the second rib

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Henry G, Warren HL. Osteology. In: Anatomy of the Human Body. 20th ed. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger; 1918. p. 129–97.

QUICK FACTS: THORACIC VERTEBRAE

Key questions answered about this anatomy topic

Q: How many vertebrae comprise the thoracic spine?

Answer: Twelve vertebrae. The thoracic spine comprises twelve vertebrae (T1-T12) that increase in size from top to bottom.

Q: What is the distinctive shape of thoracic vertebral bodies?

Answer: Heart-shaped. Thoracic vertebrae have heart-shaped vertebral bodies of near-equal width and depth.

Q: In which direction do the spinous processes of thoracic vertebrae angle?

Answer: Downward. The spinous processes of thoracic vertebrae angle downward, which is a distinctive feature of this region of the spine.

Q: Where is the superior costal facet located on a thoracic vertebra?

Answer: On the side of the vertebra near the base of the pedicle. The superior costal facet is located on the side of the vertebra near the base of the pedicle and articulates with the head of the rib.

Q: What does the superior costal facet articulate with?

Answer: The head of the rib. The superior costal facet articulates with the head of the rib, forming a sturdy connection for rib attachment.

Want to test yourself? Try the interactive quiz above!

⋮⋮ Thoracic Vertebrae Quiz
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