Thoracic spine is the middle 12 vertebrae and attachment points for the rib cage. The most stable region of the spine; at lower levels, facet joints allow greater flexion and extension with a decrease in lateral flexion and rotation. Which statement is true?

• A. The bottom 5 vertebrae, low back
• B. The top 7 vertebrae, neck
• C. The middle 12 vertebrae, attachment points for the rib cage
• D. The fused sacral vertebrae

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that the thoracic region is the mid-back made up of 12 vertebrae that attach to the ribs, forming the rib cage. That rib attachment provides significant stability to the spine, which is why this region is described as the most stable part of the spine. The line about lower levels allowing greater flexion and extension with decreased lateral flexion and rotation describes the lumbar region, not the thoracic region. Therefore the statement that correctly identifies the thoracic region is the one referring to the middle 12 vertebrae with rib cage attachments. The other options point to the lumbar region (bottom five), the cervical region (top seven), and the sacral region (fused vertebrae).