What term describes the middle portion of the spinal column?

The term that describes the middle portion of the spinal column is the thoracic vertebrae. The thoracic region consists of twelve vertebrae that are located between the cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) regions. These vertebrae are attached to the ribs, providing structural support to the rib cage and protecting vital organs such as the heart and lungs. This section of the spine is crucial for maintaining posture and allowing for a range of movements while also providing stability.

In contrast, the cervical vertebrae refer to the uppermost vertebrae in the neck region, while the lumbar vertebrae are located in the lower back. The sacral vertebrae are fused together to form the sacrum, which is positioned at the base of the spine and connects to the pelvis. Each region of the vertebral column serves distinct functions, but it is the thoracic vertebrae that specifically denote the middle section of the spinal column.