There are 12 thoracic vertebrae situated in between the cervical and lumbar vertebrae. The major characteristic that is unique to thoracic vertebrae is the presence of costal facetsfor articulation with ribs. These costal facets can be seen on the sides of the vertebral bodies and on the transverse processes. The laminae of thoracic vertebrae are short (transversely) and broad (vertically) so that the laminae of the adjacent vertebrae overlap. The spinous processes of thoracic vertebrae are long and project downward in the thoracic region.The first seven vertebrae starting from the skull are called cervical vertebrae. All the cervical vertebrae except the first two have common general features. The first cervical vertebra (C1) is known as the atlas as it supports the skull. It makes the atlanto-occipital joints that support the lateral movements of the skull. The presence of a foramen called foramen transversarium in the transverse process is unique to the cervical vertebra. Moreover, cervical vertebra has long (transversely) and narrow (vertically) laminae. In addition, the spinous processes of a typical cervical vertebra are short and bifid.
