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    Related Topics

    From Musculoskeletal System

    Pectoralis Major
    Chest muscle responsible for shoulder movement.
    Hinge Joints
    e.g., elbow, knee
    Sternum
    Breastbone located in the center of the chest.
    Hyoid Bone
    U-shaped bone in the neck that supports the tongue.
    Metacarpals (5 bones)
    5 bones forming the palm of the hand.
    Coccyx
    Tailbone, the remnant of the tail in humans.
    Ribs (12 Pairs)
    12 pairs of bones that form the sides of the thoracic cage.
    Nasal Bones
    Bones forming the bridge of the nose.
    Gomphoses
    Fibrous joints where a peg fits into a socket (e.g., teeth in jaw).
    Ethmoid Bone
    Bone forming part of the nasal cavity and the orbit.
    Diaphragm
    Primary muscle for breathing.
    Frontal Bone
    Bone forming the forehead and upper part of the orbits.
    Palatine Bones
    Bones forming part of the hard palate and nasal cavity.
    Gluteus Maximus
    Largest muscle in the buttocks responsible for hip extension.
    Ilium
    Uppermost and largest part of the hip bone.
    Radius
    Forearm bone on the thumb side.
    Acetabulum
    The acetabulum is the pelvic socket that connects with the femoral head to form the hip joint, vital for stability, movement, and weight-bearing.
    Ellipsoidal (Condyloid) Joints
    e.g., wrist
    Humerus
    Upper arm bone connecting the shoulder to the elbow.
    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.
    Sphenoid Bone
    Bone forming part of the base of the skull and sides of the orbits.
    Facial Bones
    Bones forming the structure of the face.
    Cranial Bones
    Bones of the skull that protect the brain.
    Clavicle
    Collarbone connecting the arm to the body.
    Obliques (External and Internal)
    Muscles responsible for torso rotation.

    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 ilium is the largest part of the hip bone.