Anatomy Of Thoracic Vertebrae

The thoracic vertebrae are located in the middle section of the vertebral column specifically inferior to the cervical vertebrae and superior to the lumbar vertebrae. Thoracic spine has 12 vertebrae.

Thoracic Spine Neck Back Pain Symptoms Causes Treatment

Like all other vertebrae the thoracic vertebrae help to support the weight of the upper body and protect the delicate spinal cord as it runs through the vertebral canal.

Anatomy of thoracic vertebrae. By convention the human thoracic vertebrae are numbered t1t12. The best sleeping position for back pain neck pain and sciatica tips from a physical therapist duration. At the bottom of the spinal column are the remaining bones the naturally fused vertebrae of the sacrum and coccyx which join with your pelvis hip bones.

The sacrum and coccyx are uniquely shaped. They are distinguished by the presence of facets on the sides of the bodies for articulation with the heads of the ribs as well as facets on the transverse processes of all except the eleventh and twelfth for articulation with the tubercles of the ribs. The rib cage supported by the thoracic spine in the back.

Each vertebral segment is comprised of a cylinder shaped bone in the front of the spine called the vertebral body a soft cartilage disc between each vertebra and paired facet joints in the back. Thoracic vertebrae are unique among the bones of the spine in that they are the only vertebrae that support ribs and have overlapping spinous processes. Typical t2 to t8 atypical t1 t9 to t12.

The thoracic spine is the second segment of the vertebral column located between the cervical and lumbar vertebrae. Medical professionals often abbreviate the levels vertebrae of the spinal column. The lumbar vertebrae are larger than the cervical or thoracic as this spinal region carries most of the bodys weight.

Twenty four bones are articulated vertebrae bones a singular bone is a vertebra. The thoracic vertebrae are located in the thorax posterior and medial to the ribs. The vertebrae are the bony building blocks of the spine.

These vertebrae span the large majority of the chest cavity area. Anchor the rib cage. The spinal cord is a critical bundle of nerves.

There are seven cervical vertebrae in the neck twelve thoracic vertebrae in the upper back and five lumbar vertebrae in the lower back. Distinguishing features of the thoracic vertebrae include the presence of costal facets on the sides of the bodies for articulation with the heads of the ribs and facets on the transverse. For example the seven cervical vertebrae are c1 c2 c3 c4 c5 c6 and c7.

As part of the bony thorax the thoracic vertebrae help protect the internal viscera such as the heart lungs and oesophagus. Some of the thoracic spines most important roles include the following. It consists of twelve vertebrae which are separated by fibrocartilaginous intervertebral discs.

Protect the spinal cord. Tone and tighten recommended for you.

7 3 The Vertebral Column Anatomy And Physiology