Thoracic Vertebrae
Thoracic vertebrae
-There are 12 -inferior to the cervical region -have articular surfaces for ribs -head of rib articulates with the body of the thoracic -tubercle of rib articulates with the transverse process
Bodies of thoracic vertebrae
-have facets or demifacets for articulation with the head of the ribs. -ribs 11&12 articulate only with the bodies of the 11th and 12th thoracic vertebrae
Spinous processes
Slender, point inferiorly, and in some areas overlap the spinous processes of vertebrae inferior to them
Transverse processes
T1-10 have articular facets for articulation with the tubercles of the ribs
Supeiror articular facets
face posteriorly on thoracic vertebrae, which helps distinguish thoracic vertebrae from lumbar vertebrae