Sectioned T11 Vertebra, Lateral View

Description

Sectioned at the T11 level, the vertebral body is seen in lateral profile with its superior and inferior endplates bracketing the adjacent intervertebral discs, and the posterior wall forming the anterior boundary of the vertebral canal. Posterior elements extend dorsally, with the pedicle and lamina framing the canal and the spinous process projecting posteriorly and slightly inferiorly, consistent with the lower thoracic region. At the posterolateral margin, the transverse process and superior and inferior articular processes indicate the zygapophysial (facet) joint orientation as the thoracic spine transitions toward the thoracolumbar junction. Subtle wedging and size increase relative to mid-thoracic levels are apparent. T11 sits near the diaphragmatic level and marks a mechanical turning point where thoracic kyphosis gives way to lumbar lordosis, so the change in vertebral body shape and facet orientation matters for segmental motion and load transfer. This is the vertebra often discussed when teaching the shift from rib-bearing thoracic morphology to the more robust lumbar pattern, and it is also a common site in flexion-compression injuries and osteoporotic wedge fractures. Small details at the posterior vertebral body and canal are the ones that determine whether retropulsed fragments threaten the spinal cord or, at this level, the conus medullaris region. Use this lateral section for gross anatomy labs covering the vertebral column, radiology teaching that correlates sagittal CT or MRI anatomy with bony landmarks, or spine surgery materials explaining thoracolumbar instrumentation levels and adjacent-segment biomechanics. It also fits well in publisher plates on vertebral regional characteristics and age-related vertebral compression patterns. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.