Each person has twelve thoracic vertebrae (T1 - T12). They are vertically aligned bones that form the second region of the spine, and they also participate in forming the posterior wall of the thorax. These vertebrae are positioned between the cervical vertebrae and lumbar vertebrae.

The thoracic vertebrae are characterized by their articulation with the ribs. Therefore, the main distinguishing feature of the thoracic vertebrae is the presence of the costal facets.

The thoracic vertebrae can be subdivided into typical thoracic vertebrae (T2 - T9) and atypical thoracic vertebrae (T1, T10 - T12) depending on the number and characteristics of their costal facets.

A typical thoracic vertebra has a somewhat heart-shaped vertebral body when viewed from above and a circular vertebral foramen.
The vertebral body of a typical vertebra has two partial facets (superior costal demi facet and inferior costal demi-facet) on each its side for articulation with the head of its corresponding rib and the head of the rib below.
Each transverse process has a transverse costal facet that articulates with the tubercle of its corresponding rib.

The thoracic vertebrae form several joints within the thorax. Articulations between the vertebral bodies of the thoracic vertebrae and the heads of the ribs are called costovertebral joints. At the same time, the articulations between the tubercles of the ribs and the transverse processes of the thoracic vertebrae are known as costotransverse joints.

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Thoracic vertebrae