Where the eighth thoracic vertebra (t8) sits in the skeleton
The eighth thoracic vertebra (T8) is the 8th of the twelve thoracic vertebrae. It articulates with the ribs on each side to support the back of the rib cage, and the spinal cord runs through it. The inferior vena cava usually passes through the caval opening of the diaphragm at the level of the eighth thoracic vertebra.
Frequently asked questions
Which part of the skeleton is the eighth thoracic vertebra (T8) in?
The eighth thoracic vertebra (T8) is one of the bones of the vertebral column. Seven cervical, twelve thoracic and five lumbar vertebrae and the sacrum are stacked to support the trunk and enclose the spinal cord.
How many vertebrae are there?
The spine has 24 separate vertebrae. From the top there are seven cervical (neck), twelve thoracic (upper back) and five lumbar (lower back) vertebrae, followed by the sacrum and the coccyx.
Which bones are above and below the eighth thoracic vertebra (T8)?
Above the eighth thoracic vertebra (T8) is the seventh thoracic vertebra (T7), and below it is the ninth thoracic vertebra (T9).
At what level does the inferior vena cava pass through the diaphragm?
Usually at the eighth thoracic vertebra, through the caval opening.
Other bones of the vertebral column
- Atlas (C1)
- Axis (C2)
- Third cervical vertebra (C3)
- Fourth cervical vertebra (C4)
- Fifth cervical vertebra (C5)
- Sixth cervical vertebra (C6)
- Seventh cervical vertebra (C7)
- First thoracic vertebra (T1)
- Second thoracic vertebra (T2)
- Third thoracic vertebra (T3)
- Fourth thoracic vertebra (T4)
- Fifth thoracic vertebra (T5)
- Sixth thoracic vertebra (T6)
- Seventh thoracic vertebra (T7)
- Ninth thoracic vertebra (T9)
- Tenth thoracic vertebra (T10)
- Eleventh thoracic vertebra (T11)
- Twelfth thoracic vertebra (T12)
- First lumbar vertebra (L1)
- Second lumbar vertebra (L2)
- Third lumbar vertebra (L3)
- Fourth lumbar vertebra (L4)
- Fifth lumbar vertebra (L5)
- Sacrum
Joints of the eighth thoracic vertebra (T8)
Compare with similar bones
Bone counts
By region
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