1 6 THE SKELETON OF THE CAT. 



tubercle of the transverse process, and by a median tubercle on 

 the cranial border of the vertebral arch. 



The fourth by the spinous process directed dorsad, and the 

 short thick tubercle of the transverse process not trifid. 



The fifth by the spinous process directed craniad, and the 

 more slender spine-like tubercle of the transverse process not 

 trifid. 



The sixth by the trifid transverse process. 



The seventh by the long spinous process and the slender 

 simple transverse process, and by the usual absence of the 

 foramen transversarium. 



LIGAMENTS OF THE VERTEBRAL COLUMN. 



Fibro-cartilagines intervertebrales. — The separate verte- 

 brae (except the atlas and axis) are united by the disk-shaped 

 intervertebral fibro-cartilages, which are situated between the 

 centra of the vcrtebrct. Each consists of a central pulpy por- 

 tion and a fibrous outer portion, covered by strong intercross- 

 ing- tendinous fibers whicli unite with the periosteum of the 

 vertebra,'. 



Ligamentum longitudinale anterius. — On the ventral 

 face of the centra of the vertebrae, from the atlas to the 

 sacrum, lies a longitudinal ligament, the anterior longitudinal 

 ligament. It is very small, almost rudimentary, in the cervi- 

 cal region : large and strong in the thoracic and lumbar regions. 



Ligamentum longitudinale posterius (Fig. 14, a). — A 

 corresponding ligament (posterior longitudinal ligament) lies 

 on the dorsal surface of the centra (therefore within the verte- 

 bral canal). It is enlarged between each pair of vertebrae and 

 closely united to the intervertebral fibro-cartilages. 



Ligamentum supraspinale. — Between the tips of the 

 spinous processes of the thoracic and lumbar vertebra,' extend 

 ligamentous fibers. They are not united to form a distinct 

 band, and can hardly be distinguished from the numerous 

 tendinous fibers of the supraspinous muscles. Together they 

 represent the supraspinous ligament. From the tip of the 

 spinous process of the first thoracic vertebra to the caudal end 

 of the spine of the axis e.xtends a slender strand representing 



