The joints between ribs and vertebrae are primarily costovertebral joints, which are synovial plane joints.
Costovertebral Joints Explained
The costovertebral joints connect the head of the ribs to the vertebral bodies of the thoracic vertebrae. There are two main types of costovertebral joints:
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Costocorporeal Joints (Joints of the Head of the Rib): These joints occur between the head of the rib and the bodies of two adjacent vertebrae and the intervertebral disc in between. The head of a typical rib has two facets that articulate with the corresponding costal demifacets on the adjacent vertebrae.
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Costotransverse Joints: These joints are found between the tubercle of the rib and the transverse process of the corresponding vertebra. These are synovial plane joints, allowing for gliding movements.
These joints work together to connect the ribs to the vertebral column, forming the posterior portion of the rib cage. These joints also provide stability to the thoracic cage while still allowing for movement during respiration.
