thoracic vertebra
Quick Summary
The thoracic vertebrae are part of the vertebral column, which extends from the neck to the tail in vertebrate animals. This column is composed of individual bones called vertebrae, and its primary role is to protect the spinal cord. The thoracic vertebrae are specifically located in the chest region and articulate with the ribs, forming a significant part of the rib cage. The rib cage, along with the sternum and ribs, forms a protective basket around vital organs like the heart and lungs. In humans, there are typically 12 thoracic vertebrae.123
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