Thoracic vertebrae facts for kids

The thoracic vertebrae are 12 special bones that are part of your spine. They are located in your back, right between the bones in your neck (called cervical vertebrae) and the bones in your lower back (called lumbar vertebrae). Each one is given a symbol from T1 to T12, starting from the top.

These important bones help form the back of your thorax (which is your chest area). They also provide a place for your ribs to attach, helping to protect your vital organs like your heart and lungs.

What are Thoracic Vertebrae?

Your spine is made up of many small bones called vertebrae. The thoracic vertebrae are a group of 12 of these bones. They are special because they are the only ones that connect directly to your ribs.

Where are they located?

Imagine your back. The thoracic vertebrae are in the middle part. They start just below your neck and go down to your lower back. Each one is numbered, so T1 is the highest and T12 is the lowest.

What do they do?

• Support: They help support your upper body and keep you standing tall.
• Protection: They form a strong cage with your ribs, protecting important organs inside your chest, like your heart and lungs.
• Movement: While they don't allow as much movement as your neck or lower back, they still let you twist and bend your upper body a little.

Images for kids

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  Thoracic vertebrae

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  The first and ninth through twelfth thoracic vertebra have some peculiarities

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  A thoracic spine X-ray of a 57-year-old male.

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  Same as the left, but bones around the thoracic vertebrae are shown as semi-transparent.

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  Vertebral column.

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  Vertebral column.

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  Vertebral arches of three thoracic vertebrae viewed from the front.

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  Section of the costotransverse joints from the third to the ninth inclusive.

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  A typical thoracic vertebra, viewed from above.

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  A thoracic vertebra, viewed from above.

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  A thoracic vertebra, viewed from below.

See also

In Spanish: Vértebra torácica para niños