[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/) › T7 vertebra [Skeletal system](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/system/skeletal-system/) · [Spine](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/spine/) # T7 vertebra T7 is the seventh thoracic (mid-back) vertebra; it has joints for the ribs and helps form the cage that protects the heart and lungs. Official name: T7 [See in 3D →](https://durgical.app/?from=durgipedia&lang=en#region=spine&select=t7&side=r) Opens in the Durgical app, no sign-up needed. ## What it is The T7 mid-back vertebra, with joints on each side for the ribs. ## What it does Holds up the trunk and, with the ribs and breastbone, forms the rib cage, which protects the heart and lungs. The ribs make this part of the spine stiff. ## Key points - The inferior angle of the [scapula](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/scapula/), with the arms by the sides, lies at the T7 [spine](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/spine/): the most used landmark for counting thoracic levels from behind - Scheuermann kyphosis peaks in the mid to lower thoracic spine (apex often around T7–T9): wedging of 5° or more in at least three adjacent vertebrae - The hemiazygos and accessory hemiazygos veins cross behind the aorta to the azygos vein at about T7–T9 ## Key facts **Joints with** T6 above and T8 below (discs, facet joints); heads of ribs 7 and 8; tubercle of rib 7 (costotransverse joint) **Landmarks** Typical thoracic: heart-shaped body; costal demifacets above and below; transverse costal facets; long sloping spine; spine level with inferior angle of scapula ## Relations **In front** [Esophagus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/esophagus-abdominal-part/) drifting left and forward as it descends, with the descending [thoracic aorta](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/thoracic-aorta/) at the left front of the body **Lateral** Heads of the seventh and eighth [ribs](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/ribs/); the hemiazygos system on the left and the [azygos vein](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/azygos-vein/) on the right **Behind** [Latissimus dorsi](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/latissimus-dorsi-muscle/) starts from the spines at about T7 and below, deep to the [lower trapezius](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/trapezius-lower-part/) **Contents** [Spinal cord](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/spinal-cord/), its segments now about three levels below the vertebral number ## How to find it Standing or sitting with the arms hanging, the inferior angles of the scapulae are felt at the bottom of the shoulder blades; a horizontal line between them crosses the T7 spine. Raised or folded arms move the angles and spoil the landmark. ## Examination - Adams forward bend test: bending forward shows an angular hump at the apex in Scheuermann kyphosis and a one-sided rib hump in scoliosis - Prone extension: a postural round back corrects, while Scheuermann kyphosis stays fixed ## On imaging Lateral view in Scheuermann disease: wedged bodies, irregular [endplates](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/vertebral-endplates/) and Schmorl nodes over several levels. The Cobb method measures the kyphosis between the most tilted endplates. ## Common problems - Compression fractures from osteoporosis, sometimes after a minor fall or even a cough. - A rounded upper back (kyphosis) from posture, wedge fractures or Scheuermann disease in teens. - Scoliosis: a sideways curve with rotation, often starting in adolescence. ## How it is diagnosed X-rays for fractures and curves (scoliosis is measured with the Cobb angle). MRI tells new fractures from old ones. A bone density scan (DEXA) checks for osteoporosis. ## Treatment - Osteoporosis fractures: pain control, a short time in a brace, and treatment of the osteoporosis. - Painful fractures that do not settle: kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty (cement injected into the bone). - Large or progressive curves: bracing in growing children, sometimes fusion surgery. ## Clinical notes - An angular hump (gibbus) from collapse of one or two mid-thoracic bodies suggests tuberculosis or a tumor rather than posture - Thoracentesis and posterior [chest](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/chest/) procedures are usually done below the scapular angle, where the lung bases and the costodiaphragmatic recess lie ## Development Scheuermann kyphosis appears during the adolescent growth spurt, when growth at the front of several vertebral bodies falls behind growth at the back, leaving them wedge-shaped. ## Related conditions - [Scoliosis](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/scoliosis/) ## Test yourself Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it. ## Which landmark lies at the level of the spine of the T7 vertebra? The inferior angle of the scapula, with the arms by the sides; raised or folded arms spoil the landmark. ## How is Scheuermann kyphosis, often with its apex around T7–T9, defined on X-ray? Wedging of 5° or more in at least three adjacent vertebrae, with irregular endplates and Schmorl nodes. ## What does the Adams forward bend test show in the thoracic spine? An angular hump at the apex in Scheuermann kyphosis, and a one-sided rib hump in scoliosis. ## What does an angular hump (gibbus) from collapse of one or two mid-thoracic bodies, such as T7, suggest? Tuberculosis or a tumor, rather than posture. [Add to my cards (4)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/anatomy/t7/) Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional. ## Its names **Official Latin (TA2)** vertebra thoracica VII TA2 1059 **Official Spanish (DeCS)** Vértebra dorsal D7 DeCS D013904 **English (TA2)** T7 ## Related - [T6–T7 disc](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/t6-t7/) - [T7–T8 disc](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/t7-t8/) - [Posterior intercostal arteries](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/posterior-intercostal-arteries/) - [Anterior longitudinal ligament](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/anterior-longitudinal-ligament/) - [Rib-to-spine ligaments](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/radiate-ligament-of-head-of-rib/) - [Endplates](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/vertebral-endplates/) - [Mid-back facet joints](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/zygapophysial-joints-spine-and-pelvis-facet-joints-thoracic/) - [Interspinous ligaments](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/interspinous-ligaments/) Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); [DeCS](https://decs.bvsalud.org/es/ths/resource/?id=14291&filter=ths_termall&q=V%C3%A9rtebras%20Tor%C3%A1cicas); [Anatomy, Back, Thoracic Vertebrae](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459153/). ## **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/t7/ License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/t7/