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    Related Topics

    From Musculoskeletal System

    Sartorius
    Longest muscle in the body responsible for hip flexion.
    Inferior Nasal Conchae
    Bones inside the nasal cavity that filter and humidify air.
    Temporalis
    Muscle involved in closing the jaw.
    Phalanges (14 bones)
    14 bones forming the toes.
    Maxillae
    Upper jaw bones that house the teeth and form part of the orbit.
    Patella
    Knee cap, protecting the knee joint.
    Carpals (8 bones)
    8 wrist bones.
    Ilium
    Uppermost and largest part of the hip bone.
    Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL)
    Knee ligament that stabilizes the outer knee.
    Sutures (in the skull)
    Fibrous joints between skull bones.
    Ribs (12 Pairs)
    12 pairs of bones that form the sides of the thoracic cage.
    Sesamoid Bones
    e.g., patella, some found in hands/feet.
    Soleus
    Calf muscle responsible for plantarflexion of the foot.
    Pubis
    Part of the pelvis that joins with the opposite side to form the pubic symphysis.
    Sternum
    Breastbone located in the center of the chest.
    Ligamentum Flavum
    Spinal ligament connecting the laminae of adjacent vertebrae.
    Anterior Longitudinal Ligament
    Spinal ligament running along the front of the vertebral column.
    Extensor Tendons
    Tendons that help extend the fingers and toes.
    Fibula
    Smaller bone in the lower leg, located alongside the tibia.
    Femur
    Thigh bone, the longest and strongest bone in the body.
    Lumbar Vertebrae (L1 - L5)
    Vertebrae in the lower back (L1-L5).
    Latissimus Dorsi
    Back muscle responsible for arm adduction and extension.
    Cervical Vertebrae (C1 - C7)
    Vertebrae in the neck region (C1-C7).
    Vertebral Column
    Spinal column consisting of vertebrae.
    Nasal Bones
    Bones forming the bridge of the nose.

    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? Bones are responsible for protecting organs like the brain, heart, and lungs.