The joints between the ribs and the spine are called costovertebral joints. These joints are essential for connecting the ribs to the vertebral column, forming the posterior aspect of the thoracic cage.
Types of Costovertebral Joints
There are two main types of costovertebral joints:
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Costocorporeal Joints (or Costovertebral Joints Proper): These joints connect the head of the rib to the vertebral bodies of the thoracic vertebrae. Typically, the head of a rib articulates with the superior costal facet of its corresponding vertebra and the inferior costal facet of the vertebra above it. An intra-articular ligament connects the rib head to the intervertebral disc.
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Costotransverse Joints: These joints connect the tubercle of the rib to the transverse process of its corresponding thoracic vertebra.
Function of Costovertebral Joints
These synovial plane joints facilitate limited gliding movements, crucial for:
- Respiration: Allowing the ribs to move during breathing, expanding and contracting the thoracic cavity.
- Thoracic Stability: Providing stability to the thoracic cage and protecting vital organs within the chest.
- Spinal Mobility: Contributing to the overall mobility and flexibility of the thoracic spine.
Structure of Costovertebral Joints
- Articular Surfaces: The articulating surfaces of the ribs and vertebrae are covered with hyaline cartilage.
- Ligaments: Strong ligaments support and reinforce these joints, including:
- Radiate ligament
- Intra-articular ligament
- Superior costotransverse ligament
- Lateral costotransverse ligament
- Costotransverse ligament
Clinical Significance
Dysfunction in the costovertebral joints can lead to:
- Chest pain: Often mimicking cardiac or pulmonary problems.
- Restricted breathing: Limiting rib movement and lung capacity.
- Thoracic outlet syndrome: Compression of nerves and blood vessels in the thoracic outlet.
- Postural problems: Affecting spinal alignment and overall body mechanics.
