Definition

1. Noun:
   • A bone in the spine: A "dorsal vertebra" is one of the twelve bones that form the middle segment of the human vertebral column, located in the chest region.
   • A thoracic vertebra: This term is a synonym for a thoracic vertebra, which is the specific type of vertebra that connects to the ribs.

Usage

• The term "dorsal vertebra" is used in anatomical and medical contexts to describe the specific vertebrae in the upper and middle back.
• It is a technical term. In general English, the more common term is "thoracic vertebra."

Examples

• Noun:
  • A fracture was detected in the fifth dorsal vertebra.
  • The spinal cord is protected by the dorsal vertebrae.

Advanced Usage

• "Dorsal vertebral column": Refers to the entire series of dorsal (thoracic) vertebrae.
  • The dorsal vertebral column provides attachment points for the ribs.

Variants and Related Words

• Thoracic vertebra (n): The modern and more precise synonym for "dorsal vertebra."
• Dorsal (adj): Relating to the back or upper side. For example, a .

Synonyms

• Thoracic vertebra: The direct synonym in modern anatomical terminology.
• Backbone segment: A less technical descriptive term.

Notes on Meaning

• Historically, "dorsal" was used to describe the back. In older anatomical texts, "dorsal vertebra" was common. In contemporary medicine and biology, "thoracic vertebra" is the preferred term to avoid ambiguity, as "dorsal" can sometimes refer more generally to the back. The twelve dorsal/thoracic vertebrae are numbered T1 through T12.

Noun

1. one of 12 vertebrae in the human vertebral column; thoracic vertebrae extend from the seventh cervical vertebra down to the first lumbar vertebra