Where the first thoracic vertebra (t1) sits in the skeleton
The first thoracic vertebra (T1) is the 1st 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. Its body carries a full facet for the head of the first rib and, lower down, a half facet for part of the head of the second rib. Its long spinous process can be felt just below the seventh cervical vertebra, and the first thoracic nerve leaves below it.
Frequently asked questions
Which part of the skeleton is the first thoracic vertebra (T1) in?
The first thoracic vertebra (T1) 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 first thoracic vertebra (T1)?
Above the first thoracic vertebra (T1) is the seventh cervical vertebra (C7), and below it is the second thoracic vertebra (T2).
Where does the first thoracic nerve go?
Most of its front branch joins the brachial plexus and runs to the arm, and a smaller part becomes the first intercostal nerve.
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)
- 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)
- 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 first thoracic vertebra (T1)
Compare with similar bones
Bone counts
By region
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