The thoracic spine consists of how many movable vertebrae?

The thoracic spine is made up of a total of 12 movable vertebrae. These vertebrae are located in the middle segment of the vertebral column, between the cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) regions. Each thoracic vertebra is designated as T1 through T12, with T1 being the first vertebra in the thoracic region and T12 being the last.

The primary function of the thoracic vertebrae includes providing stability to the spine while also allowing for a certain degree of movement and flexibility, primarily in the flexion and rotation of the upper body. Additionally, these vertebrae serve as attachment points for the ribs, which protect vital organs like the heart and lungs.

In summary, the number of movable vertebrae in the thoracic spine is 12, which is essential for understanding human anatomy and for anyone working within chiropractic or related healthcare fields.