Where the third thoracic vertebra (t3) sits in the skeleton
The third thoracic vertebra (T3) is the 3rd 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. With the arms by the sides, the inner end of the spine of the scapula usually lies level with its spinous process, a guide for counting the thoracic vertebrae from the back.
Frequently asked questions
Which part of the skeleton is the third thoracic vertebra (T3) in?
The third thoracic vertebra (T3) 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 third thoracic vertebra (T3)?
Above the third thoracic vertebra (T3) is the second thoracic vertebra (T2), and below it is the fourth thoracic vertebra (T4).
How can you find the third thoracic vertebra on the back?
With the arms by the sides, a line joining the inner ends of the two scapular spines usually crosses the third thoracic spinous process.
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)
- 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 third thoracic vertebra (T3)
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.