How are the 12 thoracic vertebrae unique?

How are the 12 thoracic vertebrae unique?

The thoracic vertebrae are a group of twelve small bones that form the vertebral spine in the upper trunk. Thoracic vertebrae are unique among the bones of the spine in that they are the only vertebrae that support ribs and have overlapping spinous processes.

What are the distinguishing features of vertebrae?

Distinguishing features of the lumbar vertebrae include a thick and stout vertebral body, a blunt, quadrilateral spinous process for the attachment of strong lumbar muscles, and articular processes that are oriented differently than those found on the other vertebrae.

How are the thoracic vertebrae 11 and 12 difference?

The eleventh thoracic vertebra (T-11) has an intact, superiorly placed costal facet on each side of the vertebral body, but no costal articulation on the transverse processes. The twelfth thoracic vertebra (T-12) resembles T-11, but the inferior articular facets assume the lumbar pattern.

How do I know if I have T12 vertebrae?

Alternatively you could identify T12. The spinous process of T12 is typically smaller than L1. T12 can also be verified by location of the 12th rib and the attachment site at T12 then go down to the next level to find L1.

What unique feature is present only on the thoracic vertebrae quizlet?

Thoracic vertebrae have holes in their transverse processes known as transverse foramina for the passage of blood vessels.

What structures are characteristic of thoracic vertebrae?

The primary characteristic of the thoracic vertebrae is the presence of costal facets. There are six facets per thoracic vertebrae: two on the transverse processes and four demifacets—the facets of the transverse processes articulate with the tubercle of the associated rib.

Which is the best distinguishing feature of thoracic vertebrae?

Distinguishing features of the thoracic vertebrae include the presence of facets on the sides of the bodies for articulation with the heads of the ribs, and facets on the transverse processes of all, except the 11th and 12th vertebrae, for articulation with the tubercles of the ribs.

How do you identify a thoracic vertebrae?

Thoracic vertebrae have bodies of intermediate size. They are distinguished by their long, slender spines and by the presence of facets on the sides of the bodies articulating with the heads of the ribs and by facets on the transverse processes articulating with the tubercles of ribs.

What are the distinguishing characteristics of cervical vertebrae?

Typical cervical vertebrae have several features distinct from those typical of thoracic or lumbar vertebrae. The most notable distinction is the presence of one foramen, in each transverse process. These transverse foramina encircle the vertebral arteries and veins.

How do you identify thoracic vertebrae?

The thoracic vertebrae are distinguished from their lumbar and cervical counterparts by their articulation with the ribs. There are two points of connection of the ribs with the thoracic vertebral column. One is at the vertebrae, and the second is at the transverse process.

What distinguishes thoracic vertebrae from other vertebrae?

Which of the following features are found on thoracic vertebrae?