T3 or Third Thoracic Vertebra, Anterior View

Description

Anteriorly, the T3 (third thoracic) vertebra is dominated by the vertebral body with a gently concave anterior surface and a superior endplate that transitions posteriorly toward the vertebral foramen. Along the superolateral margins of the body, the superior costal demifacets are visible, positioned to receive the head of the third rib as part of the costovertebral articulation. Lateral to the body, the pedicles frame the vertebral foramen, while the transverse processes project laterally and posteriorly beyond the body’s silhouette. Orientation is clear. T3 sits near the apex of the thoracic kyphosis, so its body shape and endplate contours help explain why mid-thoracic flexion and extension are limited compared with the cervical and lumbar regions. The superior demifacets are a key teaching landmark: they distinguish a typical thoracic vertebra from cervical and lumbar levels and anchor the mechanics of rib motion during respiration. In trauma and deformity workups, level identification around T2 to T4 also guides correlation with common fracture patterns (wedge compression) and with scoliosis measurements where vertebral body rotation alters the appearance of the costal facets. This artwork fits cleanly into gross anatomy and musculoskeletal teaching blocks when you need an unambiguous anterior reference for a single thoracic vertebra, including labeling exercises that contrast costal demifacets with the full facets of atypical levels. It also supports textbook and atlas layouts discussing costovertebral joints, thoracic spine biomechanics, and radiographic level counting for thoracic fractures. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.