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    Related Topics

    From Musculoskeletal System

    Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL)
    Knee ligament that stabilizes the inner knee.
    Cervical Vertebrae (C1 - C7)
    Vertebrae in the neck region (C1-C7).
    Anterior Scalene Muscle
    The anterior scalene muscle is a deep neck muscle that elevates the first rib during inspiration and aids in neck flexion and stability, located between key neurovascular structures.
    Frontal Bone
    Bone forming the forehead and upper part of the orbits.
    Radius
    Forearm bone on the thumb side.
    Lacrimal Bones
    Bones forming part of the eye socket and housing the tear ducts.
    Ethmoid Bone
    Bone forming part of the nasal cavity and the orbit.
    Hamstrings
    Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus, Semimembranosus.
    Gomphoses
    Fibrous joints where a peg fits into a socket (e.g., teeth in jaw).
    Gluteus Maximus
    Largest muscle in the buttocks responsible for hip extension.
    Metatarsals (5 bones)
    5 bones forming the mid-foot.
    Trapezius
    Muscle responsible for moving, rotating, and stabilizing the scapula.
    Masseter
    Muscle that elevates the mandible.
    Pubis
    Part of the pelvis that joins with the opposite side to form the pubic symphysis.
    Brachioradialis
    Muscle responsible for forearm flexion.
    Sesamoid Bones
    e.g., patella, some found in hands/feet.
    Saddle Joints
    e.g., thumb joint
    Skull
    Bony structure of the head that encases the brain.
    Hinge Joints
    e.g., elbow, knee
    Pectoralis Major
    Chest muscle responsible for shoulder movement.
    Facial Bones
    Bones forming the structure of the face.
    Extensor Tendons
    Tendons that help extend the fingers and toes.
    Clavicle
    Collarbone connecting the arm to the body.
    Deltoid
    Shoulder muscle responsible for arm abduction.
    Inferior Nasal Conchae
    Bones inside the nasal cavity that filter and humidify air.

    Thoracic Vertebrae (T1 - T12)

    Reviewed by our medical team

    Vertebrae in the upper and mid-back (T1-T12).

    1. Overview

    The thoracic vertebrae (T1–T12) are twelve vertebrae located in the middle segment of the vertebral column. They form the backbone of the thoracic region and are uniquely structured to articulate with the ribs. The thoracic spine provides structural support, protects the spinal cord, and plays a central role in the movement and stability of the trunk.

    2. Location

    The thoracic vertebrae are positioned between the cervical and lumbar vertebrae:

    • Superiorly: Articulate with the last cervical vertebra (C7).

    • Inferiorly: Articulate with the first lumbar vertebra (L1).

    • Laterally: Articulate with the twelve pairs of ribs, forming the posterior part of the thoracic cage.

    They extend from the base of the neck (T1) to just above the abdomen (T12).

    3. Structure

    Each thoracic vertebra has unique structural features that distinguish it from cervical and lumbar vertebrae:

    • Vertebral body: Heart-shaped and larger than cervical vertebrae, increasing in size from T1 to T12.

    • Vertebral foramen: Circular and smaller than in the cervical region.

    • Spinous process: Long, slender, and angled downward (especially in the mid-thoracic region).

    • Transverse processes: Project laterally and contain costal facets for rib articulation (except T11 and T12).

    • Superior and inferior articular processes: Oriented in the coronal plane, allowing rotation but limiting flexion and extension.

    • Costal facets: Small depressions on the vertebral body and transverse processes for articulating with ribs.

    4. Function

    The thoracic vertebrae contribute to essential spinal and thoracic functions:

    • Protect the spinal cord: Form the vertebral canal through which the spinal cord passes.

    • Support the thoracic cage: Anchor the ribs and maintain the shape of the rib cage.

    • Enable trunk rotation: The coronal orientation of the facet joints allows rotational movement of the spine.

    • Load distribution: Transmit axial loads from the upper body to the lower spine.

    5. Physiological role(s)

    In addition to structural roles, thoracic vertebrae participate in physiological functions:

    • Breathing mechanics: Serve as the posterior attachment for ribs, assisting in respiratory movements.

    • Muscle attachment: Provide sites for numerous muscles involved in posture, respiration, and trunk movement.

    • Neural communication: Spinal nerves exiting the thoracic vertebrae innervate the thoracic wall, abdominal wall, and part of the upper limb.

    6. Clinical Significance

    The thoracic vertebrae are associated with various medical conditions:

    • Compression fractures:

      • Common in osteoporosis, especially in postmenopausal women and the elderly; lead to kyphotic deformity and pain.

    • Scoliosis:

      • Lateral curvature of the spine often involves the thoracic vertebrae, affecting posture and lung function.

    • Kyphosis:

      • Excessive forward curvature of the thoracic spine, may be congenital, postural, or due to vertebral compression.

    • Herniated thoracic discs:

      • Less common than in cervical/lumbar regions but can compress the spinal cord, leading to myelopathy or radiculopathy.

    • Traumatic injury:

      • High-energy trauma (e.g., motor vehicle accidents) can lead to fracture-dislocations requiring surgical stabilization.

    • Spinal metastases:

      • Thoracic vertebrae are common sites for metastatic cancer spread (e.g., breast, prostate, lung), potentially compressing the spinal cord.

    Did you know? The human skeleton is made up of 206 bones at adulthood, but you are born with approximately 270 bones.