356 THE HORSE 
THE OBLIQUE PROCESSES are united by synovial capsules one to the 
other. These capsules, throughout the vertebra of the back, are pro- 
tected by white fibrous tissue, but in the cervical region the fibres 
covering the capsules are yellow and elastic, and on this account, and 
owing to the size of their arthrodial surfaces, latitude of movement is 
permitted to a greater extent than is noticed in any other vertebral 
region. 
THE LIGAMENTUM COLLI, OR GREAT CERVICAL LIGA- 
MENT, AND OTHER PECULIARITIES IN THE LIGAMENTS 
OF THE NECK. 
In THE NECK a much greater latitude of motion is required, to admit of 
the lowering of the head in grazing, and of raising it for various purposes, 
as well as balancing its great weight at all times. Lateral flexion and 
rotation on its own axis are also necessitated for the purpose of directing 
the muzzle right and left of the straight line, and for these several 
motions the following deviations from the ordinary vertebral joints are 
developed. 
Tur Licamentum Co.u, or great cervical ligament, is intended to 
relieve the muscles of the neck in supporting the head by its natural or 
inherent elasticity. It is entirely formed of yellow elastic tissue, and 
occupies the angle formed posteriorly by the anterior dorsal spines, and 
inferiorly by the cervical spinous processes, thus separating the cervical 
muscles of the right side from those of the left. ; 
It is divided for description into two parts—a funicular and lamelary 
portion. The first, designated under the name of the cord of the cervical 
ligament, is represented by a large band, which extends immediately from 
Vic. 2.—PROFILE VIEW O¢ THE GaRzAT LIGAMENT OF THE NECK. 
1. Crest of the occiput. 6. Cordiform portion of the ligamentum colli 
2, 2. Cervical vertebra. mixing with the supra-spinous ligament. 
3. 8. Dorsal vertebra. 7. Lamellary portion of the ligamentum colli. 
4. 4, 4, Dorsal spines. .8. Interspinous ligaments. 
5. 5. 5. Cordiform or funicular portion of the ¥ 
ligamentum colli. 
the dorsal spinous processes to the top of the head, divided into two 
lateral lips by a mesian line. The cord is connected posteriorly with the 
supra-spinous ligament, and is inserted anteriorly into the scabrous pit, 
