T3 vertebra

Vertebra thoracica T3

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 30 mm wide × 24 mm deep × 21 mm tall; canal ≈ 16 mm
Clinical note
Overlapping, downward-sloping spines limit extension of the thoracic spine.

Nearby skeletal structures Intervertebral disc T1–T2, Intervertebral disc T2–T3, Intervertebral disc T3–T4, Intervertebral disc T4–T5, Intervertebral disc T5–T6, T1 vertebra, T2 vertebra, T4 vertebra, T5 vertebra, T6 vertebra