Fifth thoracic vertebra

Looks like

A typical heart-shaped mid-chest vertebra (T5) with long downward-sloping spine.

What it does

Carries the fifth ribs, supports the trunk and protects the cord.

Keeping it well

Mid-back is a common site for osteoporotic compression fractures, which can occur with minimal strain.

Related conditions

• Acromegaly
• Fractures
• Fragility fracture
• Frailty & falls in older age
• Hyperparathyroidism
• Osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease)
• Osteomalacia & rickets
• Osteomyelitis (bone infection)
• Osteoporosis
• Paget's disease of bone
• Sarcoma
• Vitamin B1, C and other deficiencies
• Vitamin D deficiency