thoracic vertebrae

views updated May 17 2018

thoracic vertebrae The vertebrae of the upper back, which articulate with the ribs. They lie between the cervical vertebrae and the lumbar vertebrae and are distinguished by a number of articulating facets for attachment of the ribs. In humans there are 12 thoracic vertebrae.

A Dictionary of Biology

thoracic vertebrae

views updated Jun 08 2018

thoracic vertebrae pl. n. the 12 bones of the backbone to which the ribs are attached. See also vertebra.

A Dictionary of Nursing

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Thoracic vertebrae

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