Anatomical Structure and Location of the Costal Facets of the Vertebrae

Description

Running along the lateral margins of the thoracic vertebral bodies, the superior and inferior costal facets (demifacets) form paired articular surfaces for the heads of the ribs, while the transverse processes bear transverse costal facets for the rib tubercles. Facet size and contour change by level: mid thoracic vertebrae tend to show well defined demifacets, T1 often carries a fuller superior costal facet for the 1st rib plus an inferior demifacet for the 2nd, and T10 to T12 progressively lose inferior demifacets as the costovertebral pattern transitions. Intervertebral discs occupy the spaces between adjacent vertebral bodies, and the zygapophysial (facet) joints sit posteriorly between superior and inferior articular processes, oriented to guide thoracic rotation while limiting flexion and extension. Small. Precise surfaces. These articular details matter because the costovertebral and costotransverse joints anchor thoracic cage mechanics, so rib motion, ventilation, and pain patterns track closely with facet morphology and level. Costovertebral joint degeneration can produce focal paraspinal pain that worsens with deep inspiration or trunk rotation, and inflammatory arthropathies may target these synovial interfaces early, leaving erosions at the costal facets before other spinal changes become obvious. For procedures, the thoracic transverse process and its costotransverse facet serve as a palpable and fluoroscopic landmark during thoracic paravertebral block and during posterior approaches where the rib head and pedicle relationship must be respected. Suitable for thoracic anatomy teaching in medical and physiotherapy curricula, for radiology correlation when interpreting CT or MRI of the thoracic spine and rib articulations, and for publishing figures in texts on thoracic biomechanics, rib dysfunction, or spine pain interventions. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.