

THE THORACIC VERTEBRA 



103 



overlap from the fifth to the eighth, but are less oblique in direction above and 

 below. The superior articular processes are thin plates of bone projecting upward 

 from the junctions of the pedicles and laminae; their articular facets are practi- 

 cally flat, and are directed backward and a little lateralward and upward. The 

 inferior articular processes are fused to a considerable extent with the laminae, 



( An entire facet above; 

 I a demi-facct below 



A demi-facet above 



One entire facet 



( One entire facet. 



< No facet on trans, proc. 



( which is rudimentary 



One entire facet. 

 (No facet on trans- 

 verse process. 

 -'. Infer.artic.process 

 I convex and turned 

 \ lateralwards 



Fio. 91. Peculiar thoracic vertebrae. 



and project but slightly beyond their lower borders; their facets are directed 

 forward and a little medialward and downward. The transverse processes arise 

 from the arch behind the superior articular processes and pedicles ; they are thick, 

 strong, and of considerable length, directed obliquely backward and lateralward, 

 and each ends in a clubbed extremity, on the front of which is a small, concave 

 surface, for articulation with the tubercle of a rib. 



