Definition: The thoracic spine is the area of the vertebral column commonly refered to as the mid and upper back. The thoracic spine occupies the same level as the ribcage.
The thoracic spine is made up of 12 vertebrae, refered to by 'T', appended with an identifying number. The number indicates the level of the spine in which the particular vertebra is located.
Examples
The curve of the cervical spine is a lordosis.
Also Known As: T-Spine
Examples: The first rib begins at the level of T-1.
T-12 sits on top of the first lumbar vertebra (known as L-1), and is the last thoracic vertebra.
