Thoracic vertebra T11

Function

A transitional vertebra with lumbar-like stoutness; its eleventh rib is a floating rib with no sternal connection, guarding the upper kidney.

Landmarks

• Body facet for the eleventh rib
• Stout transverse processes
• Spinous process

Articulations (joints)

• T10 above
• T12 below
• Eleventh rib (facet on body only)

Clinical relevance

The kidneys span roughly T12–L3, their upper poles sheltered by ribs 11–12; blunt trauma to these floating ribs is a classic cause of renal laceration.