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    Related Topics

    From Musculoskeletal System

    Masseter
    Muscle that elevates the mandible.
    Occipital Bone
    Bone forming the back and base of the skull.
    Annular Ligament
    The annular ligament is a strong fibrous band encircling the head of the radius, stabilizing the proximal radioulnar joint and allowing smooth rotation of the forearm.
    Buccinator
    Muscle that helps with chewing and blowing air out.
    Metacarpals (5 bones)
    5 bones forming the palm of the hand.
    Acromioclavicular Joint
    The acromioclavicular joint connects the clavicle and scapula at the top of the shoulder, enabling smooth scapular motion and stability during arm movements.
    Lacrimal Bones
    Bones forming part of the eye socket and housing the tear ducts.
    Parietal Bones
    Bones forming the sides and roof of the skull.
    Frontal Bone
    Bone forming the forehead and upper part of the orbits.
    Diaphragm
    Primary muscle for breathing.
    Biceps Brachii
    Muscle responsible for elbow flexion.
    Fibula
    Smaller bone in the lower leg, located alongside the tibia.
    Patellar Tendon
    Tendon connecting the patella to the tibia.
    Cervical Vertebrae (C1 - C7)
    Vertebrae in the neck region (C1-C7).
    Anterior Longitudinal Ligament
    Spinal ligament running along the front of the vertebral column.
    Gliding (Plane) Joints
    e.g., between carpals
    Ligamentum Flavum
    Spinal ligament connecting the laminae of adjacent vertebrae.
    Syndesmoses
    Fibrous joints where bones are connected by ligaments.
    Lumbar Vertebrae (L1 - L5)
    Vertebrae in the lower back (L1-L5).
    Rectus Abdominis
    Abs muscle that flexes the trunk.
    Brachioradialis
    Muscle responsible for forearm flexion.
    Clavicle
    Collarbone connecting the arm to the body.
    Ilium
    Uppermost and largest part of the hip bone.
    Femur
    Thigh bone, the longest and strongest bone in the body.
    Triceps Brachii
    Muscle responsible for elbow extension.

    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? Sesamoid bones are bones that form within tendons, like the patella.