Thoracic vertebrae have superior articular facets that face in a posterolateral direction. From the side, the spine forms three curves. Just as the skull protects the brain, the bones of the spinal column protect the spinal cord. There are 12 thoracic vertebra, termed T1-T12. The deepest layer of muscles attaches along the back of the spine bones, connecting the vertebrae. These maintain vertebral alignment, control the range of motion, and are weight-bearing in certain positions. The body bears the majority of the force placed on the vertebrae. The laminae provide a protective roof over these nerve tissues. During puberty, five secondary ossification centers develop at the tip of the spinous process and both transverse processes, and on the superior and inferior surfaces of the vertebral body. The surfaces of the facet joints are covered by articular cartilage. This projection gradually increases as the column descends before decreasing rapidly from T9-T12. The thoracic region contains 12 vertebrae, denoted T1-T12. Thoracic vertebrae. For a basic description of the anatomy of typical vertebrae, see vertebrae. On the left and right side of each vertebra is a small tunnel called a neural foramen. The primary characteristic of the thoracic vertebrae is the presence of costal facets. These vertebrae form the foundation of the thoracic region’s sturdy spinal column that supports the neck above, the rib cage, soft tissues, flexible joints, blood vessels, and nerves. Meningeal branches of spinal nerves innervate all vertebrae. The human spine is made up of 24 spinal bones, called vertebrae. Bone spurs that form on the facet joint can project into the tunnel, narrowing the hole and pinching the nerve. Thick ligaments also connect the ribs to the transverse processes of the thoracic spine. They alone articulate with the first rib; C7 has no costal facets. 2017 Oct, The close relation to important vascular structures including the aorta (covers T3-T7 on the left side), sympathetic chain (T1-T12), and azygous vein (crosses lateral spinal column at T4-T5). There are 13 thoracic vertebrae (13 pairs of ribs) in the dog and ox, but 18 in the horse. The two nerves that leave the spine at each vertebra go through the foramina, one on the left and one on the right. The spinous process projects posteriorly and inferiorly from the vertebral arch and overlaps the inferior vertebrae to various degrees, depending on the region of the spine. This bony structure helps protect the internal viscera – such as the heart, lungs and oesophagus. The kyphosis is shaped like a “C” with the opening in front. A bony ring attaches to the back of each vertebral body. However, due to the orientation of the facet joints, the thin intervertebral discs, and the ribcage, the thoracic spine is functionally rigid. Therefore, it requires a greater amount of energy (force of trauma) to produce fractures and dislocations. Between the vertebrae of each spinal segment are two facet joints. The spinous process is long, relative to other regions, and is directed posteroinferiorly. The low back, also called the lumbar spine, curves slightly inward. The zygapophyseal joints, as well as the relatively thin intervertebral discs, cause the thoracic region to have the least flexion/extension ability of the spine. 2018 Jun 30, Movahed A,Majdalany D,Gillinov M,Schiavone W, Association Between Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Skeletal Back Abnormalities. For example, the inferior demifacets of T4 and the superior demifacets of T5 articulate with the head of rib 5. The thoracic spine is unique due to its articulation with ribs via costal facets. 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