Which of the following vertebrae provide articulating surfaces for the ribs?
Answer Details
The vertebrae are the bones that make up the spinal column or backbone. They are divided into regions, and each region has a different number and shape of vertebrae. The thoracic vertebrae are the ones that provide articulating surfaces for the ribs. There are 12 thoracic vertebrae, and each one has a pair of ribs attached to it. The ribs articulate with the thoracic vertebrae at two points, the facet joints and the costovertebral joints. The thoracic vertebrae also have long spinous processes that project downward and overlap with the vertebrae below them, providing protection for the spinal cord.