Superior Costal Facet of Fourth Thoracic Vertebra
Fovea costalis superior vertebrae thoracicae quartae
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The superior costal facets are the smooth articular areas on the vertebral body of the fourth thoracic vertebra. They are found on the upper edge of the posterolateral aspects of the vertebral body, just anterior to the roots of the pedicles.
Each superior costal facet of the fourth thoracic vertebra is a demifacet that combines with the inferior costal facet of the third thoracic vertebra to form the area that articulates with the head of the fourth rib, forming the joint of the head of the fourth rib.
Related parts of the anatomy
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Thoracic Vertebra
The thoracic inlet is best described as a thin axial plane of tissue best defined by its osseous boundaries: the body of the first thoracic vertebra posteriorly and superiorly, the first pair of ribs and their costal cartilages bilaterally, and the superior border of the manubrium anteriorly and inferiorly.
