The thoracic spinal vertebrae consist of 12 total vertebrae and are located between the cervical vertebrae (which begin at the base of the skull) and the lumbar spinal vertebrae. The second thoracic vertebra, or T2, is located directly below the first thoracic vertebra (T1). It is slightly larger than the T1, but smaller than the third thoracic vertebrae (T3). The second thoracic vertebra contains faceted sides that allow the vertebra to press up against the ribs. The thoracic spinal nerve 2 moves underneath the T2. The spinal nerve consists of different nerves moving along the spinal column. The nerves control sensory and motor signals from the spinal column to the body, enabling the body react to the movement of the spine.