394 



ANATOMY OF VERTEBRATES. 



of the first broad dorsal rib : the pleurapophysial part of the 

 same transverse process is broad and short, and extends down- 



260 



ward in front of the same rib. The last three cervicals, ib. C, 

 have no spinous processes ; that of the first dorsal rises to a 

 considerable height, and those of the remaining dorsals, D, and 

 lumbar vertebrae, L, attain the same horizontal line. The meta- 

 pophysis is first fully develoj^ed upon the seventh dorsal, and pro- 

 gressively elongates to the last lumbar, fig. 261, m: it presents 

 2(^1 an articular surface at the 



under and fore part of its 

 base to be articulated with 

 the anapophysis of the ante- 

 cedent vertebra. The ana- 

 pophyses increase in thick- 

 ness rather than in length in 

 the succeeding vertebra3, and 

 upon the last dorsal present an 

 articular surface at their under 

 part for connection with a pa- 

 rapophysis, ib. p. These ac- 

 cessory joints coexist with the 

 ordinary articulations between the anterior and posterior zygapo- 

 physes, and there are consequently twelve joints between each 

 pair of vertebra), in addition to the ligamentous one between the 

 bodies of the vertebms, ib. c. This mechanism is designed to 

 give great strength and fixedness to the vertebra) of the trunk 

 in relation to the support of the bony carapace, ib. h, h, and to 



Vertebral architecture for support of carapace, 

 Armadillo. 



