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    Related Topics

    From Musculoskeletal System

    Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL)
    Knee ligament that stabilizes the outer knee.
    Rotator Cuff Muscles
    Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres Minor, Subscapularis.
    Anterior Longitudinal Ligament
    Spinal ligament running along the front of the vertebral column.
    Trapezius
    Muscle responsible for moving, rotating, and stabilizing the scapula.
    Wormian Bones
    Sutural bones in the skull.
    Glenohumeral Ligaments
    Shoulder ligaments that stabilize the shoulder joint.
    Triceps Brachii
    Muscle responsible for elbow extension.
    Syndesmoses
    Fibrous joints where bones are connected by ligaments.
    Pectoralis Major
    Chest muscle responsible for shoulder movement.
    Achilles Tendon
    Tendon connecting the calf muscle to the heel bone.
    Ligamentum Flavum
    Spinal ligament connecting the laminae of adjacent vertebrae.
    Pivot Joints
    e.g., atlanto-axial joint
    Obliques (External and Internal)
    Muscles responsible for torso rotation.
    Sacroiliac Ligaments
    Ligaments connecting the sacrum to the iliac bones.
    Phalanges (14 bones)
    14 bones forming the toes.
    Frontal Bone
    Bone forming the forehead and upper part of the orbits.
    Gluteus Maximus
    Largest muscle in the buttocks responsible for hip extension.
    Quadriceps Tendon
    Tendon that connects the quadriceps to the patella.
    Interspinous Ligament
    Spinal ligament between adjacent vertebral spinous processes.
    Vomer Bone
    Bone forming the nasal septum.
    Ilium
    Uppermost and largest part of the hip bone.
    Symphyses
    Cartilaginous joints where bones are connected by fibrocartilage.
    Sternum
    Breastbone located in the center of the chest.
    Soleus
    Calf muscle responsible for plantarflexion of the foot.
    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? Your skeleton is 5 times stronger than steel.