CHAP, in.] SKELETON OF THE HEAD AND TRUNK. 



41 



from above downwards than in either the dorsal or the lumbar 

 vertebra. The front surface of the centrum is convex, and looks 

 much downwards as well as forwards, and its hinder surface is 

 concave and looks much upwards as well as backwards. The 

 pedicle is narrow from before backwards, and its anterior notch is 

 as marked^ as ^ its posterior one ; but this appearance is mainly due 

 to the projection forwards of the prezygapophysis (z). The neural 

 laminae are much flattened, and are broadened transversely like the 

 centra. The spinous process is short, small, and projects somewhat 

 forwards. The zygapophyses are large and flat. The articular 

 surface of each prezygapophysis looks upwards, forwards, and 



Fig. 19. FIFTH CERVICAL VERTEBRA. 



A. Side view. 



B. Front view. 



C. Back view, 

 c. Centrum. 



s. Neural spine. 



t. Transverse process. 

 v. Vertebral canal. 

 s. Prezygapophysis. 

 3. Postzygapophysis. 



slightly inwards. Its outer surface presents a roughened pro- 

 minence. The articular surface of each postzygapophysis looks 

 downwards, backwards and slightly outwards. 



There is a large plate-like transverse process (t) which springs 

 from two roots. One of these descends from the front of the side 

 of the pedicle, the other projects from the centrum, just at the place 

 where the capitular articular surface of a dorsal vertebra is placed, 

 and so may be called a " capitular process." These two short roots 

 unite and enclose a space (v) called the vertebral canal, because it is 

 traversed by the vertebral artery. Thus this vertebra may be said 

 to have " perforated transverse processes." Beyond the junction of 

 its two roots the transverse process expands into an irregularly 

 quadrilateral plate, one surface of which looks outwards, upwards, 

 and slightly forwards, while the other looks inwards, downwards, 

 and slightly backwards. From near the hinder angle of this plate 

 a process, somewhat like an anapophysis, projects upwards and 

 backwards, so that the plate may be said, at this part, to slightly 

 bifurcate. , 



The other cervical vertebras (except the first two) more or less 



