Corpus: Costovertebral joint
1. Definition
The costovertebral joints are the articulated connections between the ribs and the vertebrae of the thoracic spine.
2. Anatomy
2.1. Classification
The costovertebral joints can be divided into two parts:
- The joints between the head of the ribs and the vertebral body, also called the joints of head of ribs or costocorporeal joints.
- The joints between the neck of the ribs and the transverse processes of the vertebrae, also called the costotransverse joint.
2.2. Costocorporeal joint
Synonym: Joints of the head of ribs
They consist of the flattened articular surfaces of the rib heads that articulate with the corresponding articular surfaces of two neighboring vertebral bodies of the thoracic spine. In addition to the joint capsule, these joints are stabilized by two ligaments:
The intraarticular ligament divides the joint cavity into two separate chambers. However, in the case of the 1st, 11th, and 12th ribs, which articulate with only one vertebral body, the joint capsule forms a single chamber.
2.3. Costotransverse joint
These joints involve the articulation of the flat surface of the tubercle of the rib neck with the transverse process of the corresponding vertebra. This joint is absent in the 11th and 12th ribs. These joints are also encased by a joint capsule and stabilized by three additional ligaments:
- Superior costotransverse ligament: Connects the rib neck to the transverse process of the vertebra above.
- Lateral costotransverse ligament: Reinforces the joint capsule, running from the lateral part of the transverse process to the costal tubercle of the rib.
- Costotransverse ligament: Runs between the crest of the rib neck and the transverse process.
The costotransverse ligament, in particular, significantly restricts the movement of the costovertebral joints. Functionally, these joints behave like hinge joints, allowing movement along one axis that runs through both the rib head and rib-transverse process joints.