Thoracic Spine Anatomy

Posted September 28th, 2007 by Matt

Spine Thoracic

A Patient's Guide to Thoracic Spine Anatomy

Introduction

The section of the spine found in the upper back is called the thoracic spine. It goes from the base of the neck to the bottom of the rib cage. Knowing the main parts of the thoracic spine and how these parts work is important as you learn to care for your back problem.

Two common anatomic terms are useful as they relate to the thoracic spine. The term anterior refers to the front of the spine. The term posterior refers to the back of the spine. The front of the thoracic spine is therefore called the anterior thoracic area. The back of the thoracic spine is called the posterior thoracic area.

This guide gives a general overview of the anatomy of the thoracic spine. It should help you understand

what parts make up the thoracic spine

how these parts work

Important Structures

The important parts of the thoracic spine include

bones and joints

nerves

connective tissues

muscles

spinal segment

This section highlights important structures in each category.

Bones and Joints

The human spine is made up of 24 spinal bones, called vertebrae. Vertebrae are stacked on top of one another to create the spinal column. The spinal column is the body's main upright support.

From the side, the spine forms three curves. The neck, called the cervical spine, curves slightly inward. The thoracic spine curves outward. The low back, also called the lumbar spine, curves slightly inward. An inward curve in the spine is called lordosis. An outward curve, as in the thoracic spine, is called kyphosis. The kyphosis is shaped like a C with the opening in front.

The middle 12 vertebrae make up the thoracic spine. Doctors often refer to these vertebrae as T1 to T12. The large bump on the back of the lower part of the neck is the seventh cervical vertebra, called C7. It connects on top of T1. The lowest vertebra of the thoracic spine, T12, connects below the bottom of the rib cage to the first vertebra of the lumbar spine, called L1.

Each vertebra is made of the same parts. The main section of each thoracic vertebra from T1 to T12 is formed by a round block of bone, called the vertebral body. Each vertebra increases slightly in size from the neck down. The increased size helps balance and support the larger muscles that connect to the lower parts of the spine.

A bony ring attaches to the back of each vertebral body. This protective ring of bone surrounds the spinal cord, forming the spinal canal. Two pedicle bones connect directly to the back of the vertebral body. Two lamina bones join the pedicles to complete the ring. The lamina bones form the outer rim of the bony ring. When the vertebrae are stacked on top of each other, the bony rings form a hollow tube that surrounds the spinal cord and nerves. The laminae provide a protective roof over these nerve tissues.

A bony knob projects out at the point where the two lamina bones join together at the back of the spine. You can feel these projections, called spinous processes, as you rub your fingers up and down the middle of your back. Bony knobs also point out from the side of the bony ring, one on the left and one on the right. These projections are called transverse processes.

Between the vertebrae of each spinal segment are two facet joints. The facet joints are located on the back of the spinal column. There are two facet joints between each pair of vertebrae, one on each side of the spine. A facet joint is made of small, bony knobs that line up along the back of the spine. Where these knobs meet, they form a joint that connects the two vertebrae. The alignment of the facet joints of the thoracic spine allows freedom of movement as you twist back and forth or lean side to side.
The surfaces of the facet joints are covered by articular cartilage. Articular cartilage is a slick, rubbery material that covers the ends of most joints. It allows the ends of bones to move against each other smoothly, without friction.

On the left and right side of each vertebra is a small tunnel called a neural foramen. (Foramina is the plural term.) The two nerves that leave the spine at each vertebra go through the foramina, one on the left and one on the right. The intervertebral disc (described later) sits directly in front of the opening. A bulged or herniated disc can narrow the opening and put pressure on the nerve. A facet joint sits in back of the foramen. Bone spurs that form on the facet joint can project into the tunnel, narrowing the hole and pinching the nerve.

Nerves

The hollow tube formed by the bony rings on the back of the spinal column surrounds the spinal cord. The spinal cord is like a long wire made up of millions of nerve fibers. Just as the skull protects the brain, the bones of the spinal column protect the spinal cord.

The spinal cord travels down from the brain through the spinal column. In the thoracic spine, the spinal canal is narrower than in the rest of the spine, giving very little extra space for the spinal cord as it passes through the thoracic spine.

Between the vertebrae, two large nerves branch off the spinal cord, one on the left and one on the right. The nerves pass through the neural foramina of each vertebra. These spinal nerves group together to form the main nerves that go to the organs and limbs. The nerves of the thoracic spine mainly control the muscles and organs of the chest and abdomen.

Connective Tissues

Connective tissues are networks of fiber that hold the cells of the body together. Ligaments are strong connective tissues that attach bones to other bones. Several long ligaments connect on the front and back sections of the vertebrae. The anterior longitudinal ligament runs lengthwise down the front of the vertebral bodies. Two other ligaments run full length within the spinal canal. The posterior longitudinal ligament attaches on the back of the vertebral bodies. The ligamentum flavum is a long elastic band that connects to the front surface of the lamina bones. Thick ligaments also connect the ribs to the transverse processes of the thoracic spine.

A special type of structure in the spine called an intervertebral disc is also made of connective tissue. The fibers of the disc are formed by special cells, called collagen cells. The fibers may be lined up like strands of nylon rope or crisscrossed like a net.

An intervertebral disc is made of two parts. The center, called the nucleus, is spongy. It provides most of the shock absorption in the spine. The nucleus is held in place by the annulus, a series of strong ligament rings surrounding it.

Discs in the thoracic spine are much thinner than in the cervical and lumbar spine. As a result, there is generally less movement between the vertebrae of the thoracic spine.

Muscles

The muscles of the thoracic spine are arranged in layers. Those closest to the skin's surface run from the back of the vertebrae to the shoulder blades. Others wrap around the rib cage and connect to the shoulders. Strap-shaped muscles called erector spinae make up the middle layer of muscles. These muscles run up and down over the lower ribs and thorax (the rib cage), and cross to the low back. The deepest layer of muscles attaches along the back of the spine bones, connecting the vertebrae. Muscles also connect from one rib to the next.

Spinal Segment

A good way to understand the anatomy of the thoracic spine is by looking at a spinal segment.

Each spinal segment includes two vertebrae separated by an intervertebral disc, the nerves that leave the spinal column at each vertebra, and the small facet joints that link each level of the spinal column.

Summary

Many important parts make up the anatomy of the thoracic spine. Understanding the regions and structures of the thoracic spine can help you become more involved in your health care and better able to care for your back problem.

Post to Del.icio.us

Email to a Friend

Attachment	Size
Thoracic_Spine_Anatomy.pdf	1.88 MB

Comments

ucvhost is a leading web

On March 4th, 2010 keith12 says:

ucvhost is a leading web site hosting service provider that is known to provide reliable and affordable hosting packages to customers. Cheap Hosting company believes in providing absolute and superior control to the customer as well as complete security and flexibility through its many packages. Forex Vps Moreover, the company provides technical support as well as customer service 24x7, in order to enable its customer. price. windows vps
One good linux hosting option is the package cheap vps offered by ucvhost , which not only provides the best in terms of hosting packages but also believes in truly being there for the customer, 24x7. Moreover windows hosting , they offer unlimited bandwidth as well as nearly 1GB storage along with database maintenance, email facility along with storage, availability of sub domain and many other important features for a very low . thanks ucvhost

ED Hardy Hoodies ED Hardy

On April 12th, 2010 danbao says:

ED Hardy Hoodies ED Hardy Hoodies
Ed Hardy Swimwear Ed Hardy Swimwear
ed hardy tops ed hardy tops
ed hardy shoes ed hardy shoes
ed hardy shirts ed hardy shirts
christian audigier christian audigier
ed hardy kids ed hardy kids
Ed Hardy Sunglasses Ed Hardy Sunglasses
ED Hardy belts ED Hardy belts
ed hardy Bags ed hardy Bags
ed hardy mens ed hardy mens
ed hardy womens ed hardy womens

G Star Raw G Star Raw
G Star G Star
Jeans G Star Jeans G Star
G Star sale G Star sale
G Star shop G Star shop
G Star jeans G Star jeans
G Star jacket G Star jacket
G Star t shirts G Star t shirts
G Star clothing G Star clothing
G Star shoes G Star shoes
G Star raw clothing G Star raw clothing
G Star raw jacket G Star raw jacket
G Star raw jeans G Star raw jeans
G Star raw denim G Star raw denim
G Star raw t shirts G Star raw t shirts
G Star raw shoes G Star raw shoes

Abercrombie And Fitch Abercrombie And Fitch
Abercrombie Abercrombie
Abercrombie Clothing Abercrombie Clothing
Abercrombie UK Abercrombie UK
Abercrombie London Abercrombie London
Abercrombie Fitch Abercrombie Fitch
Abercrombie Outlet Abercrombie Outlet

cell phone club cell phone club
ugg supermarket ugg supermarket
asian tulips asian tulips
easy web zone easy web zone
camyou camyou
ugg boots ugg boots
Gucci Gucci
cell phone club cell phone club
apple accessories apple accessories
ugg biz ugg biz
ugg fan ugg fan

MBT shoes

On April 20th, 2010 seosearch says:

You concern over your health? MBT Shoes for your interest in black over it? Did you know that your health and recreational MBT Sports Shoes about?
MBT Shoes solve leg discomfort:
Wearing MBT shoes to walk,especially in the ankle joint movement,can promote blood circulation, stimulate the calf muscle pump power,and promote blood flow back to the heart from the legs,thereby reducing the intravascular blood pressure,reduce leg swelling and ease the initial discomfort. But the MBT treatment of fractures and vein can not valve leakage! Lack of exercise can cause vein problems and water retention legs. Venous blood within the valve to help the leg from a single direction of flow back from the heart.If the valve penetration,blood will accumulate in the legs.Not initially showed fatigue, heaviness,tightening and cramps.
MBT Shoes Sale lots of various tyles,like MBT Chapa Shoes,MBT Lami Shoes,MBT M.Walk Shoes,MBT trainers,MBT 2010,vibram fingers shoes
In addition,Cheap MBT Shoes can resolve your issue.MBT Shoes clearance ! Quickly to buy MBT shoes,don't miss such chance.

Our company is mainly

On April 24th, 2010 gucci8 says:

Our company is mainly engaged in retail and wholesale Replica Handbags,FOR: Replica Louis Vuitton Handbags,Replica Gucci

Handbags.There Now Bonus Code:8001001
Replica Handbags
Replica Gucci Handbags
Replica Louis Vuitton Handbags
Hermes Handbag bags
Replica Hermes Handbag
Dior Handbag bags
Replica Dior Handbag
Prada Handbag bags
Replica Prada Handbag
Burberry Handbag bags
Replica Burberry Handbag
Fendi Handbag bags
Replica Fendi Handbag
Chloe Handbag bags
Replica Chloe Handbag
MIU MIU Handbag
Replica MIU MIU Handbag
Replica Balenciaga Handbag
Replica Jimmy Choo Handbag
Replica Bottega Veneta Handbag
Bottega Veneta Handbag
Replica Bottega Veneta Handbag
Replica Mulberry Handbag
replica Key Ring
Replica MARC JACOBS Handbag
Replica Louis Vuitton Wallets
Replica Gucci Wallets
Wallets Replica
Replica Louis Vuitton Belt
Gucci Belt
Hermes Belt Replica
Replica Designer Handbags
Replica Handbags
Designer Handbags
replica watches wholesale
Replica Handbags wholesale
scarf scarves wholesale
Clothing Wholesale China
广州服装批发|广州春夏女装批发
 Replica Louis Vuitton bags
Replica Gucci bags
Replica bags

abercrombie deutschland

On April 29th, 2010 danbao says:

abercrombie deutschland abercrombie deutschland abercrombie abercrombie abercrombie and fitch abercrombie and fitch abercrombie & fitch deutschland abercrombie & fitch deutschland abercrombie & fitch frankfurt abercrombie & fitch frankfurt abercrombie münchen abercrombie münchen abercrombie tees abercrombie tees Abercrombie Jeans Abercrombie Jeans Abercrombie Pants Abercrombie Pants Abercrombie Tees Abercrombie Tees Abercrombie Shorts Abercrombie Shorts Abercrombie Sweater Abercrombie Sweater Abercrombie Outerwear Abercrombie Outerwear Abercrombie Hoodies Abercrombie Hoodies Abercrombie Polo Abercrombie Polo Abercrombie Shirts Abercrombie Shirts abercrombie henleys crew abercrombie henleys crew hollister hollister hollister uk hollister uk abercrombie mens abercrombie mens abercrombie womens abercrombie womens Ruehl 925 Ruehl 925

ugg boots ugg boots ugg stiefel ugg stiefel
uggs uggs ugg australia ugg australia ugg boots sale ugg boots sale ugg boots deutschland ugg boots deutschland uggs on sale uggs on sale damen ugg stiefel damen ugg stiefel bailey button ugg boots bailey button ugg boots classic tall ugg boots classic tall ugg boots classic short ugg boots classic short ugg boots classic cardy ugg boots classic cardy ugg boots classic mini ugg boots classic mini ugg boots metallic ugg boots metallic ugg boots

thomas sabo thomas sabo ugg boots ugg boots uggs uggs MBT MBT GHD GHD G Star Raw G Star Raw ed hardy ed hardy Abercrombie And Fitch Abercrombie And Fitch tiffany jewelry tiffany jewelry Abercrombie And Fitch Abercrombie And Fitch Abercrombie And Fitch Abercrombie And Fitch Cartier Cartier Gucci Gucci shamwow shamwow

online drugstore

On April 29th, 2010 bill777 says:

Professional shopping for pharmaceutical products:
Cheap drugs online
:
Allergy,Anthelmintics,Anti Bacterial,Anti Convulsants,Anti Depressants,Anti Fungal,Anti Viral,Antibiotics,Arthritis,Asthm a,Bladder And Gout,Blood Pressure,Cancer,Cardiovascular,Ch olesterol,Diabetes,Diuretics,Erec tile Dysfunction,Gastrointestinal,Hair Loss,Heartburn,Inflammatory,Lung Diseases,Men's Health,Mental Disorders,Migraines,Muscle Relaxers,Neurologic Diseases,Osteoporosis,Other,Pain Medicine,Parkinson And Alzheimer,Respiratory,Skin Care,Stop Smoking,Surgery,Thyroid,Weight Loss,Women's Health
Cheap drugs online.FDA-approved:
Anti Allergy medicine buy advair diskus usa, buy periactin usa, buy allegra usa, buy singulair usa, buy allegra d usa, buy tavist usa, buy atarax usa, buy zyrtec usa, buy clarinex usa, buy zyrtec d usa, buy claritin usa, buy albenza usa, Anti Bacterial medicine buy asacol usa, buy noroxin usa, buy augmentin usa, buy p.c.e usa, buy bactrim usa, buy principen usa, buy canasa usa, buy rulide usa, buy ceftin usa, buy stromectol usa, buy chloromycetin usa, buy suprax usa, buy chloroquine usa, buy trimox usa, buy decadron usa, buy veetids usa, buy doryx usa, buy vibra tab usa, buy flagyl usa, buy vibramycin usa, buy furoxone usa, buy zagam usa, buy minomycin usa, buy zyvox usa, buy monodox usa,

Klik here:Online pharmacy

tiffany jewellery offers you

On April 30th, 2010 innike says:

tiffany jewellery offers you elegance and captivating tiffany co.All tiffany jewelry on sale is quality-assured and the price is within your tiffany jewelry.so you can choose Tiffany Rings|Tiffany Bracelets|Tiffany Necklaces

kamagra is a generic version

On May 3rd, 2010 kamagra says:

kamagra is a generic version of viagra. generic viagra is a drug that contains the same active ingredient of brand viagra, which is sildenafil citrate , but is marketed under different brand names, like buy kamagra. lovegra. is the medication that is specifically designed for the women to enhance the sexual pleasures. oral jelly
The M-1965 Field Jacket , also known as the m65 jacket is a popular field jacket designed for the U.S. military. The m65 field jacket has been around for many years. It was introduced into US military service in 1965 to replace the M-1951 field jacket, an evolution of a Second World War design, the M-1943 field jacket. The m65 field jacket was widely used by United States troops during the vietnam war clothing in which the ed hardy became useful for troops serving in the Central Highlands of South Vietnam, as well as keeping a soldier warm from the cool weather conditions that came after monsoonal rains. new york city hotel
Learn how to make money on google , Easy Step by Step on How to Start Generating an income on google . make money writing, tv tuner card copy software dog carrier acne tandem costume

Thanks for you sharing! We

On May 3rd, 2010 wholesale lapto... says:

Thanks for you sharing! We are the famous laptop adapter supplier and laptop battery supplier. Our main products are various rechargeable laptop battery and laptop adapter compatible with brand laptops, including IBM, COMPAQ, HP, DELL, SONY, ACER, ASUS, APPLE, and TOSHIBA and so on. Because we are the laptop battery manufacturer and laptop adapter manufacturer, we could wholesale laptop battery and wholesale laptop adapter. Our laptop battery factory and laptop adapter factory are seated in china, so we sell the laptop battery china and laptop adapter china. We also know the laptop could be called notebook, so the products we sell could be also called the notebook battery and notebook adapter. we could be called the notebook battery supplier and notebook adapter supplier. We welcome you to visit our notebook battery manufacturer and notebook adapter manufacturer.

bizghd

On May 7th, 2010 bizghd says:

Cheap ghd are quite good & cheap Ghd straighteners for women with the first-class materials for ultimate comfort. Enjoy cheap ghd straighteners!More and more people began to buy ghd hair straighteners. make you become more and more beautiful.

jordan

On May 8th, 2010 bizghd says:

awesome discussion

On May 11th, 2010 amisha says:

Many many thanks to author
electric fence charger

Sport Supplement

On May 18th, 2010 chan says:

An excellent training program, a healthy diet, and Sport Supplement can help you be in shape and stay in shape so you could constantly give a stand-out performance. Sport Supplement | Bodybuilding supplement | Females Body Building | Share your content

cheap jordan shoes

On May 20th, 2010 windy says:

Welcome to the world of hot shoes including cheap jordan shoes,Gucci shoes,Michael Jordan Shoes as well as the jordan sneakers.Also we have various colors kobe bryant shoes,Bathing Ape shoes,nike kobe shoes,gucci outlet,James Lebron Shoes,supra shoes,max outlet,Jersey outlet.You can wear them to express your passion,

rolex

On May 20th, 2010 shijiu3 says:

You must replica watches be familiar watches with the watches replica you sell from rolex watches different aspects. After rolex you know what tag heuer the watch is fake rolex worth and the breitling condition that breitling watches it is in, know omega watches what you cartier really want to get out of it.

watch

On May 20th, 2010 shijiu3 says:

You must replica watches have enough watches reasons to persuade replica the customers tag heuer to buy rolex your watches. rolex watches The desire cartier watches to be omega watches at the breitling watches highest pedestal exists in the heart of many people.

five fingers shoes

On May 27th, 2010 fivefingersshoes says:

If you are a lover of the outdoors and go barefoot every chance you get Five fingers shoes are a great way to protect your feet from damage. Returning to the natural movements of the feet and lower legs may even prevent common injuries to the knees and hips though no conclusive studies have yet been done. It is important to note that while Fivefingers Kso provide more protection than barefoot these are still thin soled Vibram Five Fingers and glass or other extreme debris can penetrate the surface causing injury.