How many thoracic vertebrae are present in the human spine?

The human spine consists of 12 thoracic vertebrae. These vertebrae are located in the middle portion of the vertebral column and are numbered T1 to T12. Each thoracic vertebra articulates with a pair of ribs, which helps to protect vital organs in the thoracic cavity, such as the heart and lungs. This special arrangement and the number of thoracic vertebrae provide structural support and flexibility to the rib cage while allowing for a range of motions in the upper body. Understanding the number of thoracic vertebrae is essential for studying human anatomy, especially in fields such as medicine and physical therapy.