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    Related Topics

    From Musculoskeletal System

    Rotator Cuff Tendons
    Tendons of the rotator cuff muscles.
    Pivot Joints
    e.g., atlanto-axial joint
    Saddle Joints
    e.g., thumb joint
    Temporalis
    Muscle involved in closing the jaw.
    Quadriceps
    Rectus Femoris, Vastus Medialis, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Intermedius.
    Buccinator
    Muscle that helps with chewing and blowing air out.
    Ulna
    Forearm bone on the pinky side.
    Posterior Longitudinal Ligament
    Spinal ligament running along the back of the vertebral column.
    Inferior Nasal Conchae
    Bones inside the nasal cavity that filter and humidify air.
    Biceps Tendon
    Tendon that attaches the biceps muscle to the bone.
    Tibialis Anterior
    Muscle that dorsiflexes and inverts the foot.
    Quadriceps Tendon
    Tendon that connects the quadriceps to the patella.
    Latissimus Dorsi
    Back muscle responsible for arm adduction and extension.
    Radius
    Forearm bone on the thumb side.
    Parietal Bones
    Bones forming the sides and roof of the skull.
    Humerus
    Upper arm bone connecting the shoulder to the elbow.
    Extensor Tendons
    Tendons that help extend the fingers and toes.
    Flexor Tendons
    Tendons that help flex the fingers and toes.
    Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL)
    Knee ligament that stabilizes the inner knee.
    Ethmoid Bone
    Bone forming part of the nasal cavity and the orbit.
    Sacrum
    Triangular bone at the base of the spine.
    Facial Bones
    Bones forming the structure of the face.
    Cervical Vertebrae (C1 - C7)
    Vertebrae in the neck region (C1-C7).
    Nasal Bones
    Bones forming the bridge of the nose.
    Flexor and Extensor Groups
    Muscles responsible for flexing and extending the hand and wrist.

    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 pelvic girdle consists of the ilium, ischium, and pubis.