Joints and Ligaments of the Thoracic Wall

Intervertebral Joints

Cartilagenous joints formed by IVD.

Costovertebral Joints

Between ribs and vertebral bodies. Synovial

Costotransverse Joints

Synovial joints between the tubercule of the rib and the TP of corrosponding vertebrae.

Costochondral Joint

Cartilagenous, lateral end of costal cartilage meets sternal end of rib.

Interchondral Joint

Synovial joints between ribs 6-10

Sternocostal

1st joint is cartilagenous. 2nd to 7th are synovial

Steronclavicular

Synovial

Manubriuosternal

Cartilaginous specifically symphosis

Xiphisternal

Cartilaginous, specifically synchondrosis

Radiate Ligament

Broad, fan shaped. Extends from head of rib to the sides of the two adjacent vertebral bodies and IVDs.

Intra-articular Ligament

Found within the joint, attaches head of rib to IVD.

Superior costotransverse ligament

Runs from neck of rib to TP of vertebrae above

Lateral costotransverse ligament

Extends from tubercule of the rib to the tip of the TP. Prevents lateral displacement.

Costotransverse ligament

Short and strong, connects neck of rib to TP of corrosponding vertebrae.