|
Vertebra level |
Significance / Associated Landmark |
|
C2 (Axis) |
• Dens (odontoid process) allows rotation of the head |
|
C4 |
• Bifurcation of common carotid artery (CCA) • Upper border of thyroid cartilage |
|
C6 |
Carotid / Chassaignac tubercle (Anterior tubercle of transverse process of C6 vertebra) |
|
T2 |
Superior border of scapula (Scapula bone T2 to T7) |
|
T4 / T5 |
• Level of the sternal angle (Angle of Louis) • Landmark for the second rib and bifurcation of the trachea |
|
T7 |
Inferior angle of scapula bone (Scapula bone T2 to T7) |
|
T8 |
• IVC opening in diaphragm • Hemiazygos vein cross from left to right |
|
T9 |
Xiphisternal joint |
|
T10 |
Oesophageal opening in diaphragm |
|
T12 |
• Aortic opening in diaphragm • Celiac trunk arises from abdominal aorta) |
|
L1 |
• Trans pyloric plane • Superior mesenteric artery arise (from abdominal aorta) • End of the spinal cord (conus medullaris) in adults. |
|
L3 |
Inferior mesenteric artery arise |
|
L3 & L4 |
Umbilicus |
|
L4 |
• Level of iliac crest • Abdominal aorta bifurcation |
|
L4 / L5 |
Lumbar puncture site |
|
S2 |
Level of the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) |
|
Tip of coccyx |
Ischial spine (PYQ: INICET May 2024) |