Identify the anatomical structure indicated by the blue arrow in the image below
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Options:
explanation: The image shows the posterior view of a model of the thoracic cavity and spinal bony anatomy. The arrow points to the 3rd costotransverse joint – the joint between the 3rd rib and the corresponding thoracic vertebra. The costotransverse joint can be identified because it is formed between the costal tubercle of the rib and the transverse process of the spinal vertebra (the bony prominence pointing laterally). This can be differentiated from the costovertebral joint by the more lateral position and by the different components of the bones which are connected. The costovertebral joint is formed between the head of the rib and the inferior and superior articular facets located on the posterolateral aspect of the vertebral bodies of the vertebrae above and at the level of the rib.
name: Right 3rd costovertebral joint
label: b
answer: no
explanation: The image shows the posterior view of a model of the thoracic cavity and spinal bony anatomy. The arrow points to the 3rd costotransverse joint – the joint between the 3rd rib and the corresponding thoracic vertebra. The costotransverse joint can be identified because it is formed between the costal tubercle of the rib and the transverse process of the spinal vertebra (the bony prominence pointing laterally). The answer correctly identifies the type of joint, but the level is not correct, as the arrow indicates the joint of the 3rd, not the 2nd rib.
name: Right 2nd costotransverse joint
label: c
answer: no
explanation: The image shows the posterior view of a model of the thoracic cavity and spinal bony anatomy. The arrow points to the 3rd costotransverse joint – the joint between the 3rd rib and the corresponding thoracic vertebra. The costotransverse joint can be identified because it is formed between the costal tubercle of the rib and the transverse process of the spinal vertebra (the bony prominence pointing laterally). The answer correctly identifies the type of joint, but the level is not correct, as the arrow indicates the joint of the 3rd, not the 4th rib.
name: Right 4th transverse joint
label: e
answer: no
explanation: The image shows the posterior view of a model of the thoracic cavity and spinal bony anatomy. The arrow points to the 3rd costotransverse joint – the joint between the 3rd rib and the corresponding thoracic vertebra. The costotransverse joint can be identified because it is formed between the costal tubercle of the rib and the transverse process of the spinal vertebra (the bony prominence pointing laterally). This can be differentiated from the costovertebral joint by the more lateral position and by the different components of the bones which are connected. The costovertebral joint is formed between the head of the rib and the inferior and superior articular facets located on the posterolateral aspect of the vertebral bodies of the vertebrae above and at the level of the rib. The answer incorrectly identifies both the type of joint and the level of the joint.
name: Right 2nd costovertebral joint
label: d
answer: no
explanation: The image shows the posterior view of a model of the thoracic cavity and spinal bony anatomy. The arrow points to the 3rd costotransverse joint – the joint between the 3rd rib and the corresponding thoracic vertebra. The costotransverse joint can be identified because it is formed between the costal tubercle of the rib and the transverse process of the spinal vertebra (the bony prominence pointing laterally).
name: Right 3rd costotransverse joint
label: a
answer: yes

Correct answer: a