Thoracic vertebra

The thoracic vertebrae have the particularity to present, on either side, two costal demi-facets, the superior costal facet and the inferior costal facet, one above, near the root of the pedicle, the other below, in front of the inferior vertebral notch; these are covered with cartilage in the fresh state, and, when the vertebræ are articulated with one another, form, with the intervening intervertebral fibrocartilages, oval surfaces for the reception of the heads of the ribs.

The thoracic vertebrae present also the transverse costal facets, that are a small, concave surface, for articulation with the tubercle of a rib on the transverse process of thoracic vertebrae.