Thoracic Vertebra
•Body is medium size with a heart shape
•Vertebral foramen is small and circular
•Spinous process is long and inclined downward
•Costal articular surfaces (facets) on the side of the vertebral
body for articulation with the head of the matching rib
•Costal facets on the transverse processes for articulation with
the tubercle of the matching rib
•Note that T11 and T12 do not have facets for the tubercle of the
ribs on their transverse processes.
Netter 147/154