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Atypical thoracic vertebrae


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Front view of the lower cervical and upper thoracic vertebraw Front view of the 1st thoracic vertebra
The 1st thoracic vertebra is considered an "atypical" because of the complete costal facet for the head of the 1st rib. However, being the transitional form between the cervical vertebra and typical thoracic, it shares some standard features with cervicals – like the high of the vertebral body and the spinous process's shape.

Icon of crossfade image Latin terminology for the side view of the cervical-thoracic transition zone of the spine
Side view of the cervical-thoracic transition zone of the spine
Unlike typical thoracic, having half of the costal facet on the upper & half – on the lower edge of the body of the vertebra, the 1st thoracic vertebra has one complete costal facet articulating with the head of the 1st rib + the 1/2 of costal facet (fovea costalis inferior) for the head of 2nd rib.
The list of terms: Fovea costalis 1 – Complete costal facet for the 1st rib
Fovea costalis superior & inferior (caput costae 2) – Superior & inferior costal facet (for the head of the 2nd rib)
Fovea costalis superior & inferior (caput costae 3) – Superior & inferior costal facet (for the head of the 3rd rib)
Fovea costalis superior & inferior (caput costae 4) – Superior & inferior costal facet (for the head of the 4th rib)

Icon of crossfade image Latin terminology for the oblique view on the spine from C6 to Th6
Oblique view on the spine from C6 to Th6
Oblique inferior view of the lower cervical and upper thoracic parts of spine.
The list of terms: Fovea costalis 1 – Complete costal facet for the 1st rib
Fovea costalis superior & inferior (caput costae 2) – Superior & inferior costal facet (for the head of the 2nd rib)
Fovea costalis superior & inferior (caput costae 3) – Superior & inferior costal facet (for the head of the 3rd rib)
Fovea costalis superior & inferior (caput costae 4) – Superior & inferior costal facet (for the head of the 4th rib)

Icon of crossfade image Side view of the thoracolumbar spine with the anatomical terminology markup
Side view of the thoracolumbar spine
The side view of the thoracolumbar spine from Th8 to L1
Instead of two 1/2 of costal facets present on typical vertebrae, the 9th thoracic vertebra has only one fovea costalis superior at the vertebral body's upper edge. In its turn, the Th10, Th11, and Th12 has one complete costal facet each.
The list of terms: Fovea costalis 12 – Complete costal facet for the 12th rib
Fovea costalis 11 – Complete costal facet for the 11th rib
Fovea costalis 10 – Complete costal facet for the 10th rib
Fovea costalis superior & inferior (caput costae 9) – Superior & inferior costal facet (for the head of the 9th rib)
Fovea costalis superior & inferior (caput costae 8) – Superior & inferior costal facet (for the head of the 8th rib)

Icon of crossfade image Oblique view of the thoracolumbar spine with the anatomical terminology markup
Oblique view of the thoracolumbar spine
The thoracolumbar spine. Oblique anterior aspect
Note the absence of the fovea costalis processus transversi for the last two thoracic vertebrae. The shape of the body of these vertebrae also resembles those of the lumbar.
The list of terms: Fovea costalis 12 – Complete costal facet for the 12th rib
Fovea costalis 11 – Complete costal facet for the 11th rib
Fovea costalis 10 – Complete costal facet for the 10th rib
Fovea costalis superior & inferior (caput costae 9) – Superior & inferior costal facet (for the head of the 9th rib)
Fovea costalis processus transversi – Costal facet of transverse process

The atypical thoracic vertebrae (Th9–Th12). 360° rotation.
First published: Dec/2019
Last update: 25/Nov/2020