Where is vertebrae t12

Thoracic vertebrae T2 to T8 are all similar, although they do gradually get bigger while going down the spine. A typical thoracic vertebra consists of the following:. See Facet Joint Anatomy Animation. While T2 through T8 are commonly considered typical thoracic vertebrae, there can be variations from person to person regarding which vertebrae are typical and which are unique.

The following thoracic vertebrae have unique characteristics that distinguish them from the rest of the thoracic spine:. Log In. Sign Up. Become a Gold Supporter and see no ads. Log in Sign up. Articles Cases Courses Quiz. About Recent Edits Go ad-free. Edit article. View revision history Report problem with Article. Citation, DOI and article data. Palipana, D. The thoracic spinal vertebrae consist of 12 total vertebrae and are located between the cervical vertebrae which begin at the base of the skull and….

An intervertebral disk acts as shock absorber between each of the vertebrae in the spinal column by keeping the vertebrae separated when there is….

The vertebral column, also known as the spinal column, is a flexible column that encloses the spinal cord and also supports the head. It consists of…. The human backbone is a column of 33 total vertebrae, of which 24 are movable and free the remainder are fused. The movable vertebrae are divided…. The vertebral column, or spinal column, is made up of a total of 33 vertebrae, which are subdivided into five regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect.

The T9 - T12 are part of the twelve vertebrae that make up the thoracic section of the spinal column, which lies between the cervical and lumbar regions. Although thoracic spinal cord injuries are severe, they are not as fatal as SCI higher up on the spinal cord.

Thoracic spinal cord injuries may affect one or both sides of the body, and although the long-term prognosis is good, early treatment is still critical for the outcome. Here are some different spinal cord injury types that account for most thoracic vertebrae injuries. Thoracic vertebrae fractures are usually due to accidents with hard falls and physical trauma, or conditions such as osteoporosis. This injury occurs when the vertebrae spine collapses in its weakened state due to pressure.

Thoracic vertebrae fractures are also known as compression fractures since pressure causes the weakened thoracic vertebrae to collapse. When there is too much pressure on the vertebra, the bone collapses. The front anterior part of the vertebral body forms a wedge shape while the porous, cancellous bone on the inside of the vertebral body is crushed, or compressed. In severe cases, the compression fractures will cause the back of the vertebral body, the thick oval segment of bone forming the front of the vertebra, to actually protrude into the spinal canal and put pressure on the spinal cord.

However, this is rare. Thoracic vertebrae breaks can shatter one vertebra into multiple pieces, which is known as a burst fracture. Severe trauma, such as a motor vehicle accident, can account for shattering vertebrae. Thoracic vertebrae breaks need immediate attention since the bone fragments can become displaced and harm the spinal cord. When a vertebra is moved out of place, it is known either as a thoracic vertebrae misalignment or a thoracic spine subluxation.

This can cause nerve irritation and a disruption in the nerve-brain message channels if the spinal cord is affected. Depending on where the injury is on the thoracic spinal column, patients can live very independent lives with their injuries. The most limiting factor of a thoracic spinal cord injury is the inability to control bladder and bowel function, but the patient is able to adapt to this quickly.

If the injury is below T1, then the patient will have the use of their arms, chest, and upper back. If there is a severe injury to the T9 - T12 vertebrae, like a fracture due to a car accident or violent trauma, then the patient may be left a paraplegic. However, people with thoracic injuries can still:. As is the case with the majority of spinal cord injuries, SCI vertebrae treatment for injuries at the lower thoracic level are aimed at keeping function to the non-affected areas and to encourage function at the affected area.

Physical therapy is essential for rehabilitation. Patients with thoracic injuries between the T6 - T12 vertebrae can develop good ability to control their torso while sitting with physical therapy. Patients will also participate in occupational therapy to learn to use their hands; this may be difficult in the beginning, as well as learn to dress and bathe independently.

Additionally, mental health is key for thoracic SCI recovery. Psychiatrists are helpful for spinal cord injury patients since they help to keep the patient in the best mind frame for recovery.