VERTEBRAL COLUMN 



43 



CHAPTER II 



THE AXIAL SKELETON THE VERTEBRAL COLUMN 



Hyoid. 



Clavicle. 



Sternum. 



'< Patel- 

 la. 

 Ribs. / i Sesamoids. 



Metacarpus. 



Metatarsus. 

 Phalanges. 



THE SKELETON OF THE CAT. (LEFT SIDE ONLY.) 



THE Axial Skeleton is the bony framework of the Head and the 

 Trunk. 



In the Head, the axial skeleton comprises : 



1. The Skull, which encloses and protects the brain, and 



forms cavities for the eyes, the ears, the nose, and the 

 mouth ; 



2. The Hyoid Bones, which support the root of the tongue. 

 In the Trunk, the axial skeleton comprises : 



1. The Vertebral Column, or Spine, which forms the axis 



of the neck, the body, and the tail, and dorsally 

 encloses the spinal cord, and ventrally supports the 

 viscera ; 



2. The Ribs ; 



3. The Sternum, or Breast Bone. 



By the union of the ribs with the sternum and with a portion of 

 the vertebral column is formed the Thorax, or bony chest, which 

 surrounds the thoracic and part of the abdominal viscera. 



