Posterior thoracic wall

A typical rib articulates with the vertebral column at two joints:

• Costotransverse joint between the tubercle of the rib and the tip of the transverse process
  
  
• The head of the rib articulates with:
  
  (+) Part of the body of the corresponding vertebra
  (+) Adjacent intervertebral disc
  (+) Lower part of the vertebral body above.

Each joint of the head of the ribs has a fibrous capsule, uniting the margins of the articular facets and lined with synovial membrane.

The radiate ligament connects the head to:

• The body above
• The body below
• The disc between them

The intra articular ligament joins the transverse crest on the head to the disc, dividing the joint cavity into separate upper and lower compartments.