- There are twelve thoracic vertebrae (singular: vertebra) located in the thoracic region of the trunk.
- They are named T1-T12, from superior to inferior.
- They articulate with each other via paired facet joints and a disc joint.
NOTES:
- The thoracic vertebrae are distinguished by having attachments with the ribs: twelve thoracic vertebrae, twelve pairs of ribs.
- Thoracic vertebrae tend to have long pointy spinous processes, evident in the lateral view.
![Superior view of the twelve thoracic vertebrae, T1-T12, from superior to inferior (from top left to bottom right).](https://learnmuscles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/12-T1-T12-end-plate-dark-819x1024.jpg)
Superior view of the twelve thoracic vertebrae, T1-T12, from superior to inferior (from top left to bottom right).
![Right lateral view of T5 ("typical thoracic vertebra").](https://learnmuscles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/12-T5-lateral-0183-0184-1015x1024.jpg)
Right lateral view of T5 (“typical thoracic vertebra”).
![Superior view of T5 ("typical thoracic vertebra").](https://learnmuscles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/12-T5-superior-1503-modified-972x1024.jpg)
Superior view of T5 (“typical thoracic vertebra”).
![Inferior view of T5 ("typical thoracic vertebra").](https://learnmuscles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/12-T5-inferior-0216-0217-0218-853x1024.jpg)
Inferior view of T5 (“typical thoracic vertebra”).
![Posterior view of T5 ("typical thoracic vertebra").](https://learnmuscles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/12-T5-posterior-0180-984x1024.jpg)
Posterior view of T5 (“typical thoracic vertebra”).
![Anterior view of T5 ("typical thoracic vertebra").](https://learnmuscles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/12-T5-anterior-0172-0173-1024x1024.jpg)
Anterior view of T5 (“typical thoracic vertebra”).
![Oblique view (superior and posterolateral view) of T5 ("typical thoracic vertebra").](https://learnmuscles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/12-T5-oblique-0221-0222-0223-1024x1024.jpg)
Oblique view (superior and posterolateral view) of T5 (“typical thoracic vertebra”).