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MAMMALIAN ANATOMY 



THE AXIS VARIATIONS IN SIZE. 



THE AXIS VARIATIONS IN DEVELOPMENT. 



The cephalic end of the spinous process may project slightly 

 beyond the end of the odontoid process, or may reach only to its base. 

 This latter condition is due in part to the more marked caudal inclina- 

 tion of the pedicles. In some cases the ventral edge of the tip of the 

 spinous process is a broad smooth surface which rests on the neural 

 arch of the atlas. 



The caudal surface of the laminae may be elevated into a strong 

 median crest or may be entirely depressed. 



The transverse process is not the subject of much variation. Its 

 tip may be laterally compressed and not pointed. 



The odontoid process varies slightly in shape and size; its direction 



