34 



CERVICAL VERTEBRAE. 



[chap, 



odontoid process ot the axis (Fig. 14) is of peculiar shape, 

 being like a spout, or hollow half-cylinder, with a prominent 



Fig. 13. — Inferior surface of atlas of Red Deer {Cemus elaphiis). sjt foramen for 

 superior branch of first spinal nerve ; sn' foramen for inferior branch of the same 

 nerve. 



sharp semicircular rim. The canal for the second cervical 

 spinal nerve pierces the lamina of the axis near its anterior 

 border. The other vertebra have more or less elongated 



Fig. i4.-AnterIor surface of axis of Red Deer, §. o odontoid process ; sn foramen 

 for second spinal nerve ; pz posterior zygapophysis. 



bodies, which are opisthoccelous, i.e. concave behind and 

 convex in front. They are keeled below, the keel being often 

 developed into a hypapophysial spine posteriorly; the neural 

 spines are moderately long, and inclined forwards. The 

 transverse processes of the fifth, and especially of the sixth 



