T12 vertebra

Vertebra thoracica T12

SkeletalSkeletonThorax

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What it is
A thoracic vertebra: heart-shaped body with costal facets for the ribs, long spinous process angled downward and sturdy transverse processes.
Function
Anchors the ribs and protects the spinal cord while allowing limited rotation of the chest.
Size
Body 41 mm wide × 31 mm deep × 26 mm tall; canal ≈ 16 mm
Clinical note
Overlapping, downward-sloping spines limit extension of the thoracic spine.

Nearby skeletal structures Eleventh rib, Intervertebral disc T10–T11, Intervertebral disc T11–T12, Intervertebral disc T12–L1, Intervertebral disc T8–T9, Intervertebral disc T9–T10, T10 vertebra, T11 vertebra, T9 vertebra, Tenth rib