[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Anatomy](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/) › [Spine](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/spine/) › T10–T11 disc [Joints and ligaments](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/system/joints-and-ligaments/) · [Spine](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/spine/) # T10–T11 disc The T10-T11 disc is the thin cushion between the T10 and T11 vertebrae in the mid-back; it allows the small movement the ribs permit. Official name: T10-T11 [See in 3D →](https://durgical.app/?from=durgipedia&lang=en#region=spine&select=disc_t10_t11&side=r) Opens in the Durgical app, no sign-up needed. ## What it is The cushion between T10 and T11: a tough outer ring of fibres (annulus fibrosus) around a soft centre. ## What it does Absorbs load and allows the small amount of movement the rib cage permits. ## Key points - The T10 root leaves here; its band circles the trunk at the umbilicus, the classic T10 dermatome - No rib head touches this disc: [ribs](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/ribs/) 11 and 12 (and often 10) join only their own vertebra, so the segment is less splinted and moves more - The lumbar enlargement of the cord lies behind about T10–T12 (texts vary), so a central herniation here can weaken the legs and affect the bladder rather than give a [chest](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/chest/) band ## Key facts **Where** Between T10 and T11 bodies; thin thoracic disc; no rib head attaches **Attaches** Annulus fibrosus anchored to the [endplates](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/vertebral-endplates/) and ring apophyses of T10 and T11; anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments **Function** Absorbs and spreads load; herniation rare (most at T8–T12), often central onto the cord; lateral herniation may irritate the T10 root ## Relations **In front** [Thoracic aorta](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/thoracic-aorta/) just in front, approaching the aortic hiatus at T12; the [azygos vein](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/azygos-vein/) and [thoracic duct](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/thoracic-duct/) to its right; the back of the [diaphragm](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/diaphragm/) and the pleural recess curve around the sides **Lateral** No rib head; the [sympathetic trunk](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/sympathetic-trunk/), now on the side of the bodies, with the lesser splanchnic nerve **Behind** [Posterior longitudinal ligament](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/posterior-longitudinal-ligament/) and the [spinal cord](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/spinal-cord/) near its lumbar enlargement ## How to find it Follow the floating ribs (11 and 12) back toward the [spine](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/spine/) and count up from T12; the disc lies roughly level with the tip of the T10 spinous process. ## Examination - Abdominal reflexes: each quadrant is stroked toward the umbilicus; loss of the lower ones (about T10–T12) with brisk leg reflexes fits cord compression in the lower thoracic spine ## On imaging This level often appears on abdominal CT, where a calcified disc or gas in the disc space is usually an incidental finding; MRI is the test that shows the disc against the canal. ## Common problems - Thoracic disc herniations are uncommon; many are found by chance on MRI and cause no symptoms. - A large one can press on the spinal cord, or cause band-like pain around the chest. ## How it is diagnosed MRI; CT shows whether the herniation is calcified (hardened), which matters for surgery. ## Treatment - Usually physical therapy and pain medicine; surgery only if the spinal cord is pressed. ## Clinical notes - Leg weakness or bladder trouble with a normal lumbar MRI should prompt imaging of the lower thoracic spine, where a disc at T10–T11 can press on the cord - In a lateral approach there is usually no rib head on this disc to follow, so the T11 pedicle and imaging guide the surgeon to the level ## Test yourself Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it. ## Which dermatome belongs to the root that leaves at the T10–T11 disc? T10: a band circling the trunk at the umbilicus, the classic T10 dermatome. ## Why does the T10–T11 segment move more than mid-thoracic segments? No rib head touches the T10–T11 disc: ribs 11 and 12 (and often 10) join only their own vertebra, so the segment is less splinted. ## Why can a central T10–T11 disc herniation weaken the legs and affect the bladder instead of causing a chest band? The lumbar enlargement of the spinal cord lies behind about T10–T12, so a central herniation presses on the cord there. ## Which reflex finding suggests cord compression in the lower thoracic spine near the T10–T11 disc? Loss of the lower abdominal reflexes (about T10–T12) together with brisk leg reflexes. [Add to my cards (4)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/anatomy/t10-t11/) Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional. ## Its names **Official Latin (TA2)** discus intervertebralis T10-T11 TA2 1684 **Official Spanish (DeCS)** Disco T10-T11 DeCS D007403 **English (TA2)** T10-T11 **Also called** fibrous ring · fibrocartilago intervertebralis ## Related - [T10–T11 nucleus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/t10-t11-spine-and-pelvis/) - [T10 vertebra](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/t10/) - [T11 vertebra](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/t11/) Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); [DeCS](https://decs.bvsalud.org/es/ths/resource/?id=7567); [Anatomy, Back, Intervertebral Discs](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470583/); [7.3 The Vertebral Column](https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e/pages/7-3-the-vertebral-column) (OpenStax (Rice University), 2022) · adapted, [CC BY 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## **Spotted a mistake?** We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it. Report a mistake Representative model, for educational purposes only. --- Source: https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/t10-t11/ License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/t10-t11/