Thoracic Vertebrae

The spine is made up of three groups of bones called "vertebrae." The twelve in the chest area are the "thoracic" vertebrae, which are larger than those in the cervical region. They have long, pointed spinous processes that slope downward, and have facets on the sides of their bodies that join with ribs. Beginning with the third thoracic vertebra and moving down, the bodies of these bones increase in size. This reflects the stress placed on them by the increasing amounts of body weight they bear.