130 



LUMBAR YERTEBR.E. 



4 



XII 



apophyses present, when compared with the fourth and fifth ; 



(figs. 112 and 113) the parapophy- 

 ses and pleurapophyses are short, 

 and the hcemapophyses have disap- 

 peared. We here see a transition 

 form, for blending with the ver- 

 tebras of the loins. 



[ 256. THE LUMBAR VERTE- 

 BRA (figs. 115 and 116) are of a 

 larger size than those in the dor- 

 sal region ; they are five in num- 

 ber, and have the long diameter 

 of the centrum in the trans- 

 verse direction ; the neural spine 

 presents a considerable surface 

 for the tendinous attachment of 

 the muscles of the back and 

 loins ; tlieparapophyses are short, 



and the pleurapophyses are absent. 



Fig. 115. 



i. 116. 



Fig. 117 represents the fifth lumbar vertebra, which differs 

 from the others in having the under surface of its centrum 

 oblique, so that the anterior is deeper than the posterior 

 part, whereby it is better adapted for articulating with the sa- 

 crum, and affording us another example of a phase of transi- 

 tion from one form to another. 



