CHAPTER VIII. 



Tab. IX. — THE SPINE. 



Fig. 1. The human spine, so named from the series of sharp pro- 

 cesses projecting from the posterior part of the vertebrae. The spine 

 consists of seven vertebrae of the neck, distinguished by the perfora- 

 tions in their transverse processes ; of twelve belonging to the back, 

 and marked by depressions for the heads of the ribs ; and, lastly, of 

 Jive belonging to the loins, which are larger than the other vertebrae. 



Fig. 2. A separated dorsal vertebra: a, the body of the vertebra; 

 6, the ring through which the spinal marrow passes : c, c, the articu- 

 lating surfaces to which the ribs are united. 



Fig. 3. The vertebra of a very large serpent, drawn from a speci- 

 men belonging to the Anatomy School of Christ Church, Oxford. 

 This figure shows the socket of the vertebra. 



Fig. 4. The ball or rornded joint, evidently calculated for extensive 

 motion. 



Fig. 5. A part of the spine of the same reptile ; it is exceedingly 

 strong, each bone being united to the other by fifteen surfaces of ar- 

 ticulation. 



