DORSAL VERTEBRAE 369 



apposition with the transverse ligament. The four articular processes are 

 shown at 3, 3, Fig. 15 and g, 5, Fig. 16. The lateral processes are Avell 

 shown at 3 ., in both engravings, and the posterior oblique processes at 

 5 g^ Fig. 16. In this latter engraving at 4, the large hollow cavity 

 (glenoid) is shown, by which the body of this vertebra unites with the 

 head of the third. 



The third, fourth, and fifth cervical vertebrae closely resemble the 



6 



Fig. 16. — Posterior View of Second Cervical Vertebra. 



1. Spinal foramen. 4. Glenoid cavity articnlating with the head of 



2. 2. Transverse processes. third cervical vertebra. 



3. 3. Posterior view of the anterior articular 5. 5. Posterior oblique processes. 



surfaces. 6. Inferior spine. 



type of all ; but the third has commonly a more elevated spine, and is 

 thinner across the upper part of the body. 



The SIXTH has no inferior spine ; its transverse processes are trifid. 



The seventh vertebra is the shortest, and approaches in its characters 

 to those of the dorsal region. Its body posteriorly presents two semilunar 

 hollows for the articulation of the head of the first rib on each side. The 

 superior spine is elevated and sharp, and the transverse process is short 

 and obtuse, being sometimes without the foramen for the vertebral artery. 



GENERAL CHARACTERS OF THE DORSAL 

 VERTEBRAE 



The eighteen dorsal vertebra differ greatly in general appearance 

 from the cervical, though they still resemble the type of all. Thus, instead 

 of being cuboidal in shape, and without prominent processes, they have 

 each a long spinous process projecting upwards about two or three times 

 the depth of the body, as shown at j, ,, ,, Fig. 17. The spinal hole is com- 

 paratively small, and the transverse pi'ocesses short. On each side of the 

 upper and lower margin of the body is a smooth hollow, which, together 

 with its corresponding surface in the vertebra, above all (or below, as the 

 case may be), lodges the head of a rib. There is also a second articulating 

 surface on the transverse process, by which the tubercle of the rib is con- 

 nected with the vertcbraj. 



