T4 or Fourth Thoracic Vertebra as, Posterior View

Description

Centered in the upper thoracic spine, the T4 vertebra is presented from a posterior perspective, with the spinous process projecting inferiorly from the junction of the laminae and overlapping the level below. Paired laminae converge medially toward the spinous process, while the pedicles and transverse processes extend laterally toward the costotransverse region, framing the vertebral foramen that transmits the spinal cord and its meninges. Superior and inferior articular processes sit posterolaterally, their facets oriented to favor thoracic rotation while limiting flexion and extension compared with the cervical region. Costal facets are expected along the body and transverse process for articulation with the head and tubercle of the rib. Posterior thoracic landmarks matter because they are palpated and targeted. The elongated, downward sloping T4 spinous process complicates level identification during thoracic epidural placement or posterior approaches for decompression and instrumentation, where counting by spinous processes can drift one segment. Facet orientation at T4 also helps explain typical thoracic pain generators, including zygapophysial joint arthropathy and referred pain patterns, and it frames discussions of mid-thoracic biomechanics in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Ideal for gross anatomy and musculoskeletal anatomy teaching when you need a clean posterior view of a single thoracic vertebra, this asset also fits spine surgery manuals, anesthesia education on thoracic epidurals, and radiology correlation for CT or MRI in the axial and sagittal planes. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.