The vertebral column is a complex structure, organized into several regions: the cervical vertebrae (C1–C7), thoracic vertebrae (T1–T12), and lumbar vertebrae (L1–L5). The spine’s curvature is designed with two primary (thoracic and sacrococcygeal) and two secondary (cervical and lumbar) curvatures, which help absorb shock and maintain balance.
The thoracic region of the vertebral column, composed of 12 vertebrae (T1-T12), is situated in the upper chest. These vertebrae are unique as they are the only ones that support the ribs. Pain in this region can be attributed to various factors such as muscle tension due to poor posture, arthritis, and osteoporosis.
The T1 vertebra has a transitional appearance, resembling C7 in some aspects. Typical thoracic vertebrae, from T2 to T8, feature a kidney-shaped body and have demifacets at the junction of the body and pedicle, which articulate with the heads of the ribs.
Poor posture, arthritis, and osteoporosis are common sources of pain in the thoracic region. Additionally, the nerve that exits below the T1 vertebra is the T1 spinal nerve. This might seem confusing verbally, but it becomes clearer with a visual representation. The spinal cord itself concludes at the level of the L1 or L2 vertebrae, ending in the conus medullaris, followed by nerve roots that extend caudally.
The thoracic vertebrae support the ribs and are susceptible to pain from muscle tension, poor posture, arthritis, and osteoporosis. In contrast, the lumbar region, encompassing L1-L5, consists of larger vertebrae that accommodate the stress of lifting and carrying heavy objects.
The first thoracic vertebra articulates with the head, and its flat upper surface is positioned superiorly, sometimes featuring a groove for the subclavian artery and the lower trunk of the brachial plexus. The tubercle for the scalenus anterior muscle is located anteriorly.
For more detailed information on the vertebral column and related spinal conditions, the following resources can be consulted:
Lumbar Spondylosis Degeneration
Chapter 39: Vertebral Column Details
Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF)
Chapter 19: Thoracic Vertebrae Anatomy
