Where the fifth thoracic vertebra (t5) sits in the skeleton
The fifth thoracic vertebra (T5) is the 5th 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. Seen from above, the body of a thoracic vertebra is heart-shaped, and its central vertebral foramen is smaller and rounder than in the neck or lower back. The trachea usually divides into the two main bronchi in front of the fourth and fifth thoracic vertebrae.
Frequently asked questions
Which part of the skeleton is the fifth thoracic vertebra (T5) in?
The fifth thoracic vertebra (T5) 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 fifth thoracic vertebra (T5)?
Above the fifth thoracic vertebra (T5) is the fourth thoracic vertebra (T4), and below it is the sixth thoracic vertebra (T6).
At what level does the trachea divide?
Usually at the level of the fourth and fifth thoracic vertebrae, where it splits into the right and left main bronchi.
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)
- Sixth thoracic vertebra (T6)
- Seventh thoracic vertebra (T7)
- Eighth thoracic vertebra (T8)
- 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 fifth thoracic vertebra (T5)
Compare with similar bones
Bone counts
By region
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