Transverse Costal Facet of Fifth Thoracic Vertebra
Fovea costalis processus transversi vertebrae thoracicae quintae
Read moreDescription
The transverse costal facets are the oval, anterolaterally facing, articular areas on the transverse processes of a thoracic vertebra. They are found on the anterolateral aspects of the transverse processes, close to their tips.
Each transverse costal facet articulates with the tubercle of its numerically equivalent rib, forming its costovertebral joint. Only the first to tenth thoracic vertebrae have transverse costal facets. They are absent on the eleventh and twelfth thoracic vertebrae since their transverse processes do not articulate with the eleventh and twelfth ribs.
Related parts of the anatomy
Learn more about this topic from other Elsevier products
Thoracic Vertebra
The ninth thoracic vertebra may only have a costal demi-facet on the superior part of the body and be devoid of one below, although there is always a corresponding articular facet present on the transverse process for the tubercle of the ninth rib.
