Espiral AtlasTypical thoracic vertebra (T1–T12)
vertebra thoracica
Study entry
Parts
Its own hallmark: the costal facets, for the ribs. Heart-shaped body, with one or two facets on each side; vertebral foramen circular and smaller than in the cervical and lumbar vertebrae; long, strong transverse processes, with a costal facet in T1–T10; articular processes with almost vertical facets, in an arc centered on the body; long spinous process sloping downward to the level of the body below. T5–T8 are the most typical (areas painted on T6). T1 resembles the cervical vertebrae and has a complete facet for the 1st rib; T9–T12 resemble the lumbar vertebrae, and T12 is the transition.
Joints
With neighboring vertebrae through the discs and the zygapophysial joints; with the ribs (head of the rib with the facets of the body; tubercle of the rib with the facet of the transverse process). The region allows the greatest rotation of the spine and limits flexion, extension and lateral flexion.
Palpation
The spinous and transverse processes can usually be felt on and beside the midline.
Clinical
T12 receives transitional forces (upper half thoracic, lower half lumbar) and is the vertebra that fractures most often.
Source: cap. 2, «Vértebras: vértebras torácicas» y tabla 2-2