Views of segmental bronchi, azygos system of veins, sympathetic trunks and costovertebral joints
Costovertebral articulation of left tenth rib opened from in front
The left tenth rib has been removed from the specimen with care to preserve the ligaments, joint capsules and articular surfaces of the costovertebral articulations. The view is directed inward from in front and to the left.
Upper pointer: Intercostal nerve IX Lower pointer: Spinal ganglion (lying within intervertebral foramen)
Costotransverse ligament (attached posteriorly to transverse process of vertebra Th. X)
Azygos vein
Joint of head of rib (pointers indicate facets on adjacent vertebral bodies, the cleft between being occupied by the delicate intraarticular ligament)
Radiating ligament of head of rib (cut through)
Anterior longitudinal ligament (pointer also indicates vertebral body Th. X)
Intervertebral disc Th. X-XI
Hemiazygos vein (note small veins draining vertebral bodies at higher levels)