Thoracic Vertebrae (T1-T13)
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Notice that each pair of ribs articulate with the cranial aspect of a thoracic vertebra. Therefore, each thoracic vertebra has the same number as the set of ribs at its cranial aspect (i.e., the 7th rib articulates on the cranial aspect of T7). Also observe that the dorsal spinous process of T11 is almost straight up, and the processes of the vertebrae caudal to it are going in a different direction. T11 is designated the anticlinal vertebra. Scroll down to see individual thoracic vertebra images. As before, try to determine the orientation and identify the labelled structures, then click on the last image for the answers.
