Costovertebral joints

Watch videos

Costovertebral joints refer to the articulations between the proximal ends of the ribs and their corresponding vertebrae. A costovertebral joint comprises two groups of synovial plane joints:

• Costovertebral joint proper (also sometimes referred to as joint of head of rib/costocorporeal joint)
• Costotransverse joint

Usually, the rib articulates with two adjacent vertebrae. These joints are called typical articulations. However, there are some exceptions that are referred to as atypical articulations; these are the joints that ribs 1, 10, 11, and 12 form with only one vertebra, or more specifically their corresponding vertebral body (T1, T10, T11, T12).

This video tutorial will provide you with a detailed overview of the bony features and ligaments that comprise the costovertebral joints.

Take a quiz

Now that you have watched the video that described all the important aspects of the costovertebral joints, test yourself and see how much you have learned by clicking on our quiz below.

If the quiz was too easy for you, don't worry, we’ve got you covered. Try our custom quiz about the spine and back by clicking on the box below!

Browse atlas

Costovertebral joints

Costotransverse joints

Summary