Where the second thoracic vertebra (t2) sits in the skeleton
The second thoracic vertebra (T2) is the 2nd 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 second to eighth thoracic vertebrae are typical: each side of the body has a half facet above and below, so the head of a rib sits across two neighbouring vertebrae. The jugular notch at the top of the sternum usually lies at the level between the second and third thoracic vertebrae.
Frequently asked questions
Which part of the skeleton is the second thoracic vertebra (T2) in?
The second thoracic vertebra (T2) 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 second thoracic vertebra (T2)?
Above the second thoracic vertebra (T2) is the first thoracic vertebra (T1), and below it is the third thoracic vertebra (T3).
At what level of the spine is the jugular notch?
The jugular notch, in the middle of the top edge of the sternum, usually lies level with the gap between the second and third thoracic vertebrae.
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)
- 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 second thoracic vertebra (T2)
Compare with similar bones
Bone counts
By region
Read more
Related reading
- Sarcopenia: what to measure, and what to do, when muscle and strength decline
- What getting up from a chair says about how your body is ageing
- Why ageing bone marrow turns to fat, and a PEMF study in mice
- PEMF and whole-body vibration: two rhythms that reach the body
- Myokines: the signals working muscle sends to the body
- Ageing parents: the changes families notice first
Once the 3D model loads you can turn it and select each part.