T12 — twelfth thoracic vertebra (Vertebra thoracica duodecima)
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
T12, the twelfth of twelve thoracic vertebrae, distinguished by costal facets that grip the ribs to form the thoracic cage; its long downward-angled spinous processes shingle over each other. It resembles a lumbar vertebra with mammillary processes and a full costal facet.
Clinical notes
Thoracic kyphosis and compression fracture at T12 are linked to osteoporosis; thoracic disc herniation is rare but can mimic abdominal pain.
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the T12 — twelfth thoracic vertebra?
T12, the twelfth of twelve thoracic vertebrae, distinguished by costal facets that grip the ribs to form the thoracic cage; its long downward-angled spinous processes shingle over each other. It resembles a lumbar vertebra with mammillary processes and a full costal facet.
Why is the T12 — twelfth thoracic vertebra clinically important?
Thoracic kyphosis and compression fracture at T12 are linked to osteoporosis; thoracic disc herniation is rare but can mimic abdominal pain.
Source & license
Derived from Z-Anatomy (Gauthier Kervyn et al.), CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/); upstream geometry from BodyParts3D, © The Database Center for Life Science. license details