The thoracic vertebrae are closest to the basic form of the vertebrae. Their bodies of the vertebrae (corpus vertebrae) are lower in the front than in the rear. There are fossa-like joint surfaces (foveae costales inferiores et superiores) on the transverse process to act as a receptacle for the protuberance (tuberculum costae) of the ribs.
The spines (processus spinosi) of the thoracic vertebrae cover one another like roof thatching. Their tips are about one vertebral height lower than the corresponding bodies of the vertebrae (the spines of the vertebra of the last three cervical vertebrae do not descend). The vertebral foramen is between the vertebral arches and the rear side of the body of the vertebrae. The surfaces of the articular processes (processus articulares inferiores et superiores) are frontal (parallel to the plane thought to run towards the forehead).
There is a little hooked process (uncus corporis) at the first thoracic vertebrae on both sides of the body of the vertebrae, formed in a similar fashion to the cervical vertebrae.
Please click on the image below for a 3D view of the thoracic vertebrae
