Thoracic Spine

The thoracic vertebrae are the middle twelve in the vertebral column. Most of the thoracic vertebrae feature costal (relating to the ribs) facets on the body and transverse processes of the vertebra, no foramina in the transverse processes (as the cervical vertebra have), a spinous process which points back and down, and a round vertebral foramen. The body of each thoracic vertebra in the spinal column bears the weight of the vertebrae above it (and the skull), while the arch serves to create a canal-like area along the spine to house and protect the spinal cord.

Most vertebrae exhibit pronounced lateral protrusions (or processes), one on each side of the vertebra. These transverse processes serve as the attachment sites for ligaments (intertransverse ligaments) and muscles, which control the bending and twisting of the vertebral column. The base of each transverse process in most vertebrae is just off of the main body of the vertebra, located instead at the pedicle. The pedicle is part of the ring-like structure of a vertebra, which also includes the body and lamina of a vertebra, forming the vertebral foramen which protects the spinal cord.