Thoracic Spine

Specific Features

The thoracic spine consists of 12 vertebral segments and 12 nerve roots. The thoracic spine can be identified based on the presence of ribs. T1 can be identified as the first rib bearing vertebral segment. T12 can typically be identified as the last rib bearing vertebral segment. As in the lumbar spine, the nerve root for a specific level exits below the corresponding vertebral body segment. For example, the T6 nerve root exits the spinal canal at T6-T7.