Intervertebral disk of first thoracic vertebra: anatomy, location and function

What it is

The intervertebral disc between T1 and T2 (the T1–T2 disc), a fibrocartilage pad with a gel-like nucleus pulposus inside a ring-like anulus fibrosus.

Location

Between the bodies of T1 and T2, the disc directly below the named vertebra (the T1/T2 disc).

Function

Absorbs compressive loads, acts as a shock absorber and allows slight movement between vertebrae.

Body system

Skeletal · single, midline structure

FMA ID

FMA10458 (Foundational Model of Anatomy)

Key facts

• The crest on the head of rib 2 is tied to this disc by an intra-articular ligament, so the rib head sits across the disc between its two demifacets.
• A rare T1–T2 herniation can mimic a C8/T1 problem, with weakness of the small hand muscles.
• Thoracic discs are the thinnest in the column relative to their vertebral bodies, and the rib cage further limits movement, so thoracic disc herniation is rare (well under 1% of all disc herniations).

The nearest named structures in the 3D model, measured from the centre of each part:

• Inferior oblique part of longus colli · muscular
• Intervertebral disk of seventh cervical vertebra · skeletal
• Intervertebral disk of second thoracic vertebra · skeletal
• Trachea · respiratory
• First thoracic vertebra · skeletal
• Second thoracic vertebra · skeletal
• Intervertebral disk of sixth cervical vertebra · skeletal
• Seventh cervical vertebra · skeletal
• Common carotid artery · cardiovascular
• Semispinalis cervicis · muscular