Transitional Cervical and First Thoracic Vertebrae (Ventral view)

How do the two vertebrae pictured here differ? Carefully examine the transverse processes. The seventh cervical vertebra does not have transverse foramina and in many ways appears similar to thoracic vertebrae, but unlike thoracic vertebrae it does not have articular surfaces for rib attachment. Thoracic vertebrae like the one on the right are characterized by facets and demifacets. These depressions are the points where ribs articulate. Proceed to thoracic vertebrae Return to vertebral column