Vertebral Costal Facets, Lateral View

Description

Running in lateral profile along the thoracic vertebral column, the vertebral bodies stack superior to inferior with intervertebral discs interposed, while the superior and inferior costal facets (demifacets) mark the posterolateral margins of the vertebral bodies adjacent to the disc space. Posterior to the bodies, the pedicles and laminae frame the intervertebral foramina, where segmental spinal nerves exit laterally. Transverse processes project posterolaterally, bearing transverse costal facets for the tubercles of ribs (T1 to T10), and the facet (zygapophysial) joints sit posteriorly between superior and inferior articular processes. Costal facets matter because they define the thoracic spine as a rib-bearing region and explain why thoracic motion feels different from cervical and lumbar motion. Small changes in facet orientation or disc height can alter costovertebral and costotransverse joint mechanics, a common contributor to focal thoracic pain and restricted chest wall excursion after trauma. This view also clarifies where inflammatory arthropathy (for example ankylosing spondylitis) can stiffen the costovertebral articulations, and why posterior approaches that mobilize the rib head must respect the nearby intervertebral foramen and segmental nerve. Use this lateral rendering to teach thoracic osteology and joint anatomy in gross anatomy, radiographic anatomy, and manual therapy curricula, or to support textbook figures on costovertebral joint biomechanics, rib dysfunction, and thoracic spine surgical corridors. It also pairs well with CT and MRI discussions when identifying rib head alignment relative to demifacets and assessing foraminal narrowing from osteophytes. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.