Joint
Costovertebral joints
Rib-to-spine joints that permit breathing movement
High-yield
Upper-rib elevation mainly increases front-to-back chest depth, the pump-handle pattern. Lower-rib elevation adds side-to-side width, the bucket-handle pattern; these are useful descriptions of combined movements.
Overview
A typical rib meets the spine at its head and at its tubercle. Small movements at these synovial joints let the rib cage change shape while the surrounding ligaments keep each rib connected to the vertebral column.
Reference facts
- Joint type
- Synovial joints at the rib head and costotransverse articulation
- Articulating surfaces
- Typical head with the same-numbered vertebra, vertebra above and intervening disc; tubercle with the same-numbered transverse process
- Ligaments
- Radiate and intra-articular ligaments at the head; costotransverse, lateral costotransverse and superior costotransverse ligaments
- Movements
- Small rotation and gliding allow combined pump- and bucket-handle rib movement; ribs 11–12 lack costotransverse joints
- Blood supply
- Articular branches of posterior intercostal arteries
Clinical correlation
Inflammation or ankylosis around the rib-spine joints can reduce chest expansion, as may occur in ankylosing spondylitis. The severity varies; complete dependence on diaphragmatic breathing is not an inevitable result.
Frequently asked questions
What type of joint are the costovertebral joints?
The costovertebral joints are a synovial joints at the rib head and costotransverse articulation.
What articulates at the costovertebral joints?
Typical head with the same-numbered vertebra, vertebra above and intervening disc; tubercle with the same-numbered transverse process.
What movements do the costovertebral joints allow?
Small rotation and gliding allow combined pump- and bucket-handle rib movement; ribs 11–12 lack costotransverse joints.
What ligaments support the costovertebral joints?
Radiate and intra-articular ligaments at the head; costotransverse, lateral costotransverse and superior costotransverse ligaments.