Topics

Topic

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T (Thoracic spine)

The thoracic spine consists of the 12 thoracic vertebrae (T1–T12) forming the middle segment of the vertebral column. It provides structural support to the thoracic cage, protects the thoracic spinal cord, and serves as the site of articulation with the ribs. The thoracic spine is characterized by its kyphotic curvature, costovertebral joints, and relatively limited mobility compared with the cervical and lumbar regions.

It is a key region in spinal biomechanics, trauma assessment, degenerative disease evaluation, and cross-sectional imaging of the spine and thorax.

Synonyms

  • Thoracic vertebral column

  • Dorsal spine

Location

  • Extends from T1 inferior border of C7 to T12 superior border of L1

  • Occupies the posterior midline of the thoracic cavity

  • Posterior to the mediastinum and lungs

  • Anterior to the paraspinal muscles and skin

  • Contains the thoracic segment of the spinal cord

Anatomical components

  • Thoracic vertebrae (T1–T12):

    • Vertebral body

    • Pedicles and laminae

    • Spinous processes (long and downward sloping)

    • Transverse processes with costal facets

  • Intervertebral discs:

    • Located between adjacent vertebral bodies (except T1–T2 variations)

  • Facet (zygapophyseal) joints

  • Costovertebral and costotransverse joints

  • Spinal canal and neural foramina

Relations

Anteriorly:

  • Thoracic viscera (heart, great vessels, esophagus)

  • Posterior mediastinum

Posteriorly:

  • Paraspinal muscles

  • Thoracolumbar fascia

  • Skin and subcutaneous tissues

Laterally:

  • Ribs and intercostal spaces

  • Pleura and lungs

Superiorly:

  • Cervical spine at the cervicothoracic junction (C7–T1)

Inferiorly:

  • Lumbar spine at the thoracolumbar junction (T12–L1)

Structures related to the thoracic spine

  • Thoracic spinal cord

  • Thoracic nerve roots (T1–T12)

  • Epidural space

  • Paravertebral muscles

  • Sympathetic chain

X-ray appearance

Thoracic spine radiographs (AP and lateral views):

  • Vertebral bodies: Rectangular with increasing size from T1 to T12

  • Kyphotic curvature: Normal posterior convexity

  • Intervertebral disc spaces: Uniform height

  • Spinous processes: Overlapping on lateral view due to caudal angulation

  • Ribs: Articulating with vertebral bodies and transverse processes

CT appearance (pre-contrast)

Axial and sagittal reconstructions:

  • Cortical bone: Hyperdense outer shell of vertebral bodies and posterior elements

  • Trabecular bone: Intermediate density within vertebral bodies

  • Pedicles and laminae: Clearly delineated bony margins

  • Spinal canal: Well-defined osseous boundaries

  • Facet joints: Visible joint spaces and articular surfaces

  • Costovertebral joints: Clearly demonstrated

MRI appearance

T1-weighted images:

  • Vertebral marrow: High signal due to fatty marrow content

  • Intervertebral discs: Intermediate-to-low signal

  • Spinal cord: Intermediate signal

  • Epidural fat: High signal outlining the thecal sac

T2-weighted images:

  • Intervertebral discs: High signal in nucleus pulposus

  • CSF: Bright high signal surrounding the spinal cord

  • Spinal cord: Intermediate signal

  • Vertebral endplates: Low signal cortical margins

STIR:

  • Fat suppression: Vertebral marrow fat suppressed to low signal

  • Bone marrow: Homogeneous low signal in normal vertebrae

  • Intervertebral discs: Intermediate signal 

CT image

Thoracic Spine (T Spine) CT SAG IMAGE

X-Ray image

x ray t spine AP-img-00000-00000_00003

MRI image

Thoracic Spine (T Spine) MRI anatomy Location and Imaging Appearance -img-00000-00000