T13
T XIII
Definition
The thoracic vertebrae form the thoracic spine, a slightly dorsoconvex bony rod, characterized by its limited flexibility. The main differences between other vertebrae (cervical and lumbar) are:
- Articulations with the ribs that correspond in number
- Short bodies with flattened extremities
- Short articular processes
- Vertebral arches closely fitting (no real interarcual spaces)
- Long spinous process
- Costal facets on the transverse processes and cranial and caudal costal fovea on the extremities of the vertebral bodies
References