Which of the following vertebrae provide articulating surfaces for the ribs?
Answer Details
The vertebrae that provide articulating surfaces for the ribs are called the thoracic vertebrae. The thoracic vertebrae are the 12 vertebrae that make up the middle region of the vertebral column and are located between the cervical vertebrae (neck) and the lumbar vertebrae (lower back). The ribs articulate with the thoracic vertebrae at points called facet joints, which allow for movement of the rib cage during breathing. The lumbar vertebrae do not have facets for the articulation of ribs, and the cervical vertebrae only have transverse processes that serve as attachment points for muscles and ligaments. The sacral vertebrae are fused together to form the sacrum and do not have any articulation with the ribs.