Transverse Process of Fourth Thoracic Vertebra (Right)

Description

The transverse processes are the two laterally projecting processes located at the lateral parts of the vertebral arch of a thoracic vertebra. They extend from the junction between the pedicles and laminae.

Overall, the transverse processes of thoracic vertebrae are generally long, thick, and have expanded lateral ends. All thoracic transverse processes, except those of the eleventh and twelfth thoracic vertebrae, consist of transverse costal facets. Thoracic transverse processes provide attachment sites for the levatores costarum and intrinsic back muscles, as well as attachment sites for the intertransverse ligaments, superior costotransverse, and lateral costotransverse ligaments. The transverse processes of the first to tenth thoracic vertebrae also provide attachment sites for the costotransverse ligaments.