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Thoracic meninges, spinal cord and nerve roots dissected in relation to vertebral column

Intrathoracic structures related to vertebral column, posterior view

Image #219-3

KEYWORDS: Central nervous system, Thoracic region, Vertebral column.

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Thoracic meninges, spinal cord and nerve roots dissected in relation to vertebral column

Intrathoracic structures related to vertebral column, posterior view

Ribs and vertebral bodies have been resected bilaterally between the second and ninth thoracic levels. The periosteum (6) which covered the inner surfaces of the ribs has been preserved in most areas. The anterior longitudinal ligament (23), with remnants of the intervertebral discs attached,has also been retained in part. The lungs have been inflated and are visible through the intact costal pleura. The proximal parts of the III-VII thoracic nerves have been positioned on the pleura in such a way that their dorsal and ventral roots, dorsal rami and communications with the sympathetic trunk are visible. These components are labeled for the left seventh thoracic nerve (8,9,10). The intercostal arteries and veins have been cut off in various ways.

1 .	Rib II
2 .	Intercostal nerve II
3 .	Sympathetic trunk
4 .	Costal pleura
5 .	Rib III (cut off)
6 .	Periosteum of sixth rib
7 .	Thoracic aorta
8 .	Left pointer: Intercostal. nerve VII Right pointer: Ramus communicans
9 .	Dorsal branch thoracic nerve VII
10 .	Left pointer: Spinal ganglion and dorsal roots Right pointer: Ventral root
11 .	Innermost intercostal muscle
12 .	Levator costarum brevis muscle
13 .	Internal intercostal membrane
14 .	External intercostal muscle
15 .	Transverse process of vertebra Th. II
16 .	Inferior articular process
17 .	Posterior longitudinal ligament
18 .	Intervertebral disc Th. II - III
19 .	Veins of third intervertebral foramen (bones removed)
20 .	Vertebromediastinal suspensory ligament
21 .	Anulus fibrosus intervertebral disc Th. V - VI
22 .	Posterior intercostal artery and vein VI
23 .	Anterior longitudinal ligament
24 .	Radiate ligament (preserved with periosteum of rib)
25 .	Spinal cord
26 .	Rib IX