Where the eleventh thoracic vertebra (t11) sits in the skeleton
The eleventh thoracic vertebra (T11) is the 11th 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. Each side of its body has one facet for the head of the eleventh rib, and its transverse processes have no facet for a rib. Its spinous process is short and nearly horizontal, more like a lumbar vertebra.
Frequently asked questions
Which part of the skeleton is the eleventh thoracic vertebra (T11) in?
The eleventh thoracic vertebra (T11) 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 eleventh thoracic vertebra (T11)?
Above the eleventh thoracic vertebra (T11) is the tenth thoracic vertebra (T10), and below it is the twelfth thoracic vertebra (T12).
How do the eleventh and twelfth thoracic vertebrae differ from the others?
Each body has a single facet for one rib, and the transverse processes have no rib facet, because the floating eleventh and twelfth ribs do not meet the transverse processes.
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)
- Eighth thoracic vertebra (T8)
- Ninth thoracic vertebra (T9)
- Tenth thoracic vertebra (T10)
- 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 eleventh thoracic vertebra (T11)
Compare with similar bones
Bone counts
By region
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