Sectioned T3 Vertebra, Lateral View

Description

Sectioned through the upper thoracic spine, the T3 vertebra is presented in lateral profile with the vertebral body anterior and the vertebral arch posterior, framing the vertebral canal where the thoracic spinal cord and its meninges would lie in vivo. The transverse process projects laterally toward the rib head and tubercle articulation sites, while the superior and inferior articular processes stack in the sagittal plane to form the T2-T3 and T3-T4 zygapophysial joints. A sagittal cut exposes the posterior vertebral body wall, pedicle, lamina, and the spinous process sloping inferiorly, with adjacent intervertebral discs separating T2, T3, and T4. Lateral section anatomy at T3 matters because the thoracic region couples rotation with rib mechanics and constrains flexion and extension, so small changes in canal diameter or facet alignment can have outsized neurologic or pain consequences. Thoracic disc herniation is less common than cervical or lumbar disease, but when it occurs around the upper thoracic levels it can produce myelopathic symptoms, and appreciating the relationship between the posterior annulus, posterior longitudinal ligament, and the anterior margin of the vertebral canal informs both MRI interpretation and surgical planning. Pedicle screw trajectories also depend on this spatial map. Small margins. Use this illustration for gross anatomy and neuroanatomy teaching when introducing vertebral canal boundaries, thoracic facet orientation, and disc levels, and for spine surgery or radiology texts discussing upper thoracic stenosis, myelopathy, or instrumentation landmarks on lateral imaging. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.