What are the main types of joints in the thorax?

The thorax contains several joint types, including synovial joints (e.g., costovertebral and costotransverse joints), cartilaginous joints (e.g., costochondral and manubriosternal joints), and intervertebral joints (secondary cartilaginous and synovial facet joints).

How do costovertebral joints differ between typical and atypical ribs?

Typical ribs (2nd–9th) articulate with two vertebrae via demifacets, while atypical ribs (1st, 10th–12th) articulate with only their corresponding vertebral body.

What ligaments are associated with the costovertebral joints?

Key ligaments include the capsular ligament surrounding the joint, the radiate ligament connecting to vertebrae and intervertebral disc, and the intra-articular ligament dividing the joint cavity.

Which ribs lack costotransverse joints and why?

The 11th and 12th ribs lack costotransverse joints because their tubercles do not articulate with transverse processes, allowing for greater mobility in the lower thoracic region.

What is the difference between the 1st and 2nd–7th chondrosternal joints?

The 1st chondrosternal joint is a primary cartilaginous joint (immobile), while the 2nd–7th joints are synovial plane joints that permit slight gliding movement.

What happens to the manubriosternal joint with age?

The manubriosternal joint, a secondary cartilaginous joint, often ossifies after age 30 in many adults, reducing its slight sliding movement during respiration.

How do thoracic facet joints influence movement compared to other regions?

Thoracic facet joints are oriented vertically, which primarily permits rotation while restricting flexion and extension, unlike more mobile regions like the cervical spine.

Joints of Thorax – Costovertebral, Sternocostal & More

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