CER VIC A L VER TEBR/E. 



[CHAP. 



exit to the inferior division of the first cervical nerve, but not 

 by the vertebral artery, which usually enters the neural canal 

 between the arches of the second and third vertebrae. The 

 odontoid process of the axis (Fig. 14) is of peculiar shape, 



FIG. 13. Inferior surface of atlas of Red Deer (Cervus etaphns). sn foramen for 

 first spinal nerve ; sii foramen for inferior branch of the same nerve. 



being like a spout, or hollow half-cylinder, with a prominent 

 sharp semicircular rim. The canal for the second cervical 



FIG. 14. Anterior surface of axis of Red Deer. f. o odontoid process ; sn foramen 

 for second spinal nerve ; pz posterior zygapophysis. 



spinal nerve pierces the lamina of the axis near its anterior 

 border. The other vertebrae have more or less elongated 

 bodies, which are opisthoc&louS) i.e. concave behind and 

 convex in front. They are keeled below, the keel being often 



