The body of a typical thoracic vertebra is somewhat heart-shaped when viewed from above. It is typically as broad in the anteroposterior as in the transverse direction.

The vertebral body on either side presents two partial facets - superior and inferior costal demi-facets for articulation with the head of its corresponding rib and with the head of the rib below.

The pedicles of the thoracic vertebrae are directed backward and slightly upward.

The laminae are broad and thick. They overlap with the subjacent vertebrae like tiles of a roof and connect with the pedicles to surround and provide protection to the spinal cord.

The typical thoracic vertebra has a large circular vertebral foramen. It contains and protects the spinal cord at the thoracic level.

The intervertebral foramen is small and circular. There are two in each intervertebral level, one for the right and one for the left exiting nerve roots.

Each transverse process of a thoracic vertebra has a transverse costal facet that articulates with the tubercle of its corresponding rib.

The spinous process is long and triangular in coronal cross-section. It is directed obliquely downward, arising from the lamina and with tuberculated end.

The superior articular processes of the thoracic vertebrae are thin bony plates that project upward from the junctions of the pedicles and laminae.

The inferior articular processes are significantly fused with the laminae and project slightly beyond their lower borders.

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Typical thoracic vertebrae