somatic mod 2 Thoracic spine charateristics

What is thoracic kyphosis?

The primary curve of the thoracic spine.

What is commonly seen with thoracic spine convexity?

Most have some right convexity.

Which nervous system is associated with the thoracic spine?

The sympathetic nervous system.

What is the thoracic cage?

12 thoracic vertebrae, 12 ribs, and the sternum.

What are demi facets?

Vertebral body facets where the rib heads attach.

What are costal facets on the transverse processes?

Facets that articulate with the tubercle of the rib.

What is spinous process imbrication?

Overlapping of the spinous processes.

In what direction do thoracic spinous processes point?

Obliquely downward.

How do thoracic spinous processes compare in length with the rest of the spine?

They are the longest of the spine.

Where is thoracic spinous process imbrication greatest?

T5-T8.

How are the thoracic intervertebral foramina and central canal described?

They are the smallest in the spine.

What is a consideration with the small thoracic intervertebral foramina and central canal?

Stenosis.

What is the typical shape of a thoracic vertebral body?

Heart shaped.

What shape are the upper thoracic vertebral bodies?

More rectangular.

What shape are the lower thoracic vertebral bodies?

Kidney bean shaped.

Which surfaces of the thoracic vertebral body are concave?

The lateral and anterior surfaces.

How does normal anterior thoracic vertebral body height compare with posterior height?

The anterior vertebral body is normally 1-2 mm shorter than the posterior.

What are thoracic pedicles?

They originate from the upper 1/3 of the vertebral body, are notched inferiorly, and project straight back.

How do cervical and lumbar pedicles compare with thoracic pedicles?

Cervical and lumbar pedicles are closer to a 45-degree angle.

What are the articular pillars made of?

The superior articular process (SAP) and inferior articular process (IAP).

How many facets does a typical thoracic vertebra have?

10 facets.

How many processes does a typical thoracic vertebra have?

7 processes.

What are thoracic laminae?

Thick and broad structures that form the spinous process.

Where do thoracic transverse processes originate?

At the pars.

What are thoracic transverse processes like?

Thick and club-like.

How do thoracic transverse processes change in size from T1-T12?

They decrease in size.

What do the thoracic transverse processes articulate with?

The tubercle of the rib.

How are transverse process facets shaped in the mid-thoracic spine?

Cupped.

How are transverse process facets shaped in the lower thoracic spine?

Flat.

What are typical thoracic vertebrae?

T2-T8.

What are atypical thoracic vertebrae?

T1 and T9-T12.

What is special about T1?

More rectangular body, its own full costal facet on the posterior/superior body, widest transverse processes, and a straight spinous process.

What type of costal facet does T1 have?

Its own full costal facet on the posterior/superior vertebral body.

How do the T1 transverse processes compare with the other thoracic transverse processes?

They are the widest.

How is the T1 spinous process oriented?

Straight back.

What is special about T9?

A large demifacet for the 9th rib and it may or may not have demifacets for the 10th rib.

What costal facet does T9 have for the 9th rib?

A large demifacet.

What variation may occur at T9 for the 10th rib?

It may or may not have demifacets for the 10th rib.

What is special about T10?

No demifacets, articulates only with the 10th rib, and its transverse processes may or may not have costal facets.

Does T10 have demifacets?

No.

Which rib does T10 articulate with?

The 10th rib only.

Do T10 transverse processes always have costal facets?

No, they may or may not have costal facets.

What is special about T11?

A costal facet on the vertebral body and pedicle, no costal facet on the transverse process, and an anticlinal spinous process.

Where is the T11 costal facet located?

On the vertebral body and pedicle.

Does T11 have a costal facet on the transverse process?

No.

How is the T11 spinous process described?

Anticlinal.

What is special about T12?

A costal facet on the side/pedicle, hardly any transverse process, a typical superior articular process, and a round and convex inferior articular process.

Where is the T12 costal facet located?

On the side/pedicle.

How much of a transverse process does T12 have?

Hardly any transverse process.

How is the T12 superior articular process described?

Typical.

How is the T12 inferior articular process shaped?

Round and convex.