Many vertebral levels are associated with key anatomical landmarks. Below is a summary of vertebral levels and associated internal or surface anatomy. Please note that some texts differ slightly on certain levels and levels may be altered by patient positioning (supine versus erect) and patient body habitus.
Vertebral Level
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C3
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C4
bifurcation of common carotid artery
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C6
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T2
superior angle of scapula
suprasternal notch
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T4
-
also known as thoracic plane or plane of Ludwig (see mnemonic)
sternal angle of Louis
arch of aorta
bifurcation of trachea (carina)
division between superior and inferior mediastinum
azygos vein drains into SVC
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-
T8
inferior vena cava hiatus of the diaphragm
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T9
-
T10
esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm
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T12
aortic hiatus of the diaphragm
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L1
-
also known as transpyloric plane (see article)
ninth costal cartilage
fundus of the gallbladder
pylorus of stomach
neck of pancreas
superior mesenteric artery origin
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hilum of kidneys
left: above
right: below
splenic vein traverses behind pancreas
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-
L2
thoracic duct begins
azygos and hemiazygos veins begin
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L3
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L4
bifurcation of abdominal aorta
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L5
inferior vena cava formed (convergence of right and left common iliac veins)
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S1
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S2
posterior superior iliac spine
dural sac terminates