Final answer:
Option (B), The costal tubercle of a rib articulates with the facet located on the transverse process of the corresponding thoracic vertebra.
Step-by-step explanation:
The costal tubercle of a rib articulates with the transverse process of a thoracic vertebra. Each rib is a curved, flattened bone that contributes to the wall of the thorax. They are numbered 1-12, corresponding with the T1-T12 thoracic vertebrae.
The ribs connect to the thoracic vertebrae at two main points: the head of the rib articulates with the costal facets on the bodies of thoracic vertebrae, and the tubercle of the rib articulates with the facet located on the transverse process of the same numbered thoracic vertebra.
The anterior end of each rib is connected to the sternum either directly via costal cartilage, or indirectly, or in the case of floating ribs, not at all. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is B) transverse process of thoracic vertebrae.