Joints of the Thorax

Costovertebral Joints

The following are some notes on costovertebral joints:

1. Type

   • Cartilaginous joint

2. Articulation

   • The superior facet on the head of the rib articulates with the inferior demifacet of the vertebra above

   • The inferior facet on the head of the rib articulates with the superior demifacet of the same numbered vertebra

3. The 10th to 12th ribs articulate only with one vertebra and only have one face

4. The 11th and 12th ribs do not have a tubercle and do not articulate with transverse processes

Costotransverse Joints

The following are some notes on costotransverse joints:

1. Type

   • Plane synovial joint

2. Articulation

   • Transverse processes of a thoracic vertebra and the tubercle of its adjacent rib

   • Present in all vertebrae except T11 and T12

Other Types of Joints

Other types of joints in the thorax include:

1. Intervetebral

2. Sternochondral