What are the facets of the 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.

Do lumbar vertebrae have articular facets?

The main distinguishing feature of the lumbar vertebrae is the orientation of the facets on the superior and inferior articular processes. The facets on the superior articular processes face medially and posteriorly, and the facets on the inferior articular processes face laterally and anteriorly.

What does the thoracic vertebrae articulate with?

The characteristic feature of thoracic vertebrae is the presence of joints that articulate with ribs. A mid-thoracic vertebra (shown here) has two joint facets on the vertebral body for the heads of adjacent ribs, and a third joint facet on the transverse process for the neck of a rib.

What is the function of the facets of the thoracic vertebrae?

Distinguishing features. 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.

What is articular facet?

A facet is a flat or nearly flat surface on a bone. The vertebral articular facets are where two vertebrae articulate. There will be one pair of facets on the superior side of the vertebrae and one pair on the inferior side of the vertebrae.

Which vertebrae have articular facets?

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 is an articular facet?

How many facets does the lumbar vertebrae have?

There are two facet joints in each spinal motion segment. The facet joints are situated between the pedicle and lamina of the same vertebra and form the articular pillars that act to provide structural stability to the vertebral column as a whole.

What does the superior articular facet articulate with?

Superior articular facet (Facies articularis superior) is an oval-shaped, concave structure on the superior aspect of the lateral mass. It articulates with an occipital condyle on the underside skull.

What is articular facet in vertebrae?

Lateral view, sacrum A facet is a flat or nearly flat surface on a bone. The vertebral articular facets are where two vertebrae articulate. There will be one pair of facets on the superior side of the vertebrae and one pair on the inferior side of the vertebrae.

What does articular mean in anatomy?

Definition of articular : of or relating to a joint articular cartilage.