12 THE STRUCTURE OF THE FOWL 



comparable to the caudal articular processes 

 of the other vertebrae. 



The second vertebra, or epistropheus, is 

 relatively short, and distinguished by the 

 possession of a small process, the dens, which, 

 projecting from the cranial end of the body, 

 passes through the ring-like atlas and touches 

 the occipital condyle. The cranial articular 

 processes are small. 



Thoracic Vertebrae. — The seven thoracic 

 vertebrae of the fowl carry ribs. Each has a 

 strong, but relatively short body, which, except 

 in the case of the last, possesses a well- developed 

 ventral process. Prominent transverse pro- 

 cesses have smooth articular surfaces at their 

 extremities. These, with projecting areas on 

 the sides of the bodies of the vertebrae, afford 

 points of attachments for the ribs. The second 

 to the fifth vertebrae are fused together, their 

 spinous and ventral processes being welded 

 into prominent plate-like ridges. Thin bone 

 fills the gaps between the transverse processes. 

 The first and sixth thoracic vertebrae are free, 

 and the seventh is blended with the first lumbar 

 vertebra. 



No distinction can be made between the 

 lumbar and sacral vertebrse — about fourteen in 



