The thoracic vertebrae were studied previously, but some more fun:
1. Articular processes are shaped to allow rotation- superior/inferior costal facets on body, transverse costal facets on transverse processes
2. Superior/inferior costal facets for the heads of ribs at two levels are on the vertebral bodies of T2-T8.
3. T1 has a complete superior costal facet for articulation with rib 1 head
4. Vertebrae T9-12 have only one costal facet for head of ribs on either side of body
5. Transverse processes of T1-T10 are modified (transverse costal facets) for articulation with the tubercles of ribs 1 - 10. T11 and T12 lack transverse costal facets. Ribs 11 and 12 lack tubercles.
6. Superior costal facet articulates with the head of its own rib, while the inferior costal facet articulates with the head of the next lower rib.
Tap on the image below to toggle rib 5, and observe the head of rib 5 articulating with the inferior costal facet of T4 and superior costal facet of T5, and the tubercle of rib 5 articulating with the transverse costal facet of T5. Note that the ribs curve anteriorly and inferiorly from thoracic vertebrae.