Transverse Costal Facet of First Thoracic Vertebra (Left)

Description

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.