costovertebral

Costovertebral is an anatomical term describing the relationship between the ribs (costae) and the vertebral column. It is used to refer to the costovertebral joints, where the ribs articulate with the bodies of thoracic vertebrae, and to the costovertebral angle, a posterior landmark formed by the lower rib and the spine used in clinical assessment.

Anatomy and joints: The typical rib forms two costovertebral articulations at its head, with the superior costal facet of the vertebra above and the inferior costal facet of the same-numbered vertebra, the intervertebral disc lying between the vertebral bodies. The tubercle of the rib articulates with the transverse process at the costotransverse joint. Supportive ligaments—radiate, superior costotransverse, and lateral costotransverse—stabilize these joints. Ribs 2–9 usually participate in two costovertebral articulations; ribs 1, 10–12 show anatomical variations and may articulate with a single vertebral body or have limited costotransverse connections.

Function and clinical relevance: The costovertebral joints enable small gliding movements that contribute to the expansion and contraction of the thoracic cage during respiration. Degenerative, inflammatory, or traumatic changes can cause thoracic pain localized to the rib–vertebral region. Clinically, costovertebral angle tenderness is tested as part of the assessment for renal pathology, such as pyelonephritis, given the proximity of the kidneys to this region.

Etymology and usage: The term derives from costae (ribs) and vertebrae and is used in anatomy, radiology, and clinical disciplines to describe rib–spine relationships and related landmarks.