THE VERTEBRAL COLUMN AS A WHOLE 77 



form intervertebral notches, which complete, with the 

 neighboring pedicle of the vertebra, intervertebral 

 foramina. The spinous process projects backward 

 from the junction of the two laminae. The transverse 

 processes, one on either side, project outward from 

 the arch at the junction of the pedicle with the lamina. 

 The articular processes, two superior and two inferior, 

 extend upward and downward respectively at the point 

 of origin of the transverse processes. 



FIG. 38 



Transverse 

 process 



fiiagrahi of section of odontoid, 

 process. 



Diagram of section of 

 transverse liyainent. 



Foramen fur 

 vertebral ttrten, 



Groove for vertebral artery 

 and 1st cervical nerve. 



Rudimentary spinous process.. 



First cervical vertebra or atlas. (Gray.) 



The Atlas (First Cervical Vertebra). This, sometimes 

 called rotation vertebra, has no body or spinous 

 process, but is a large ring with articular and transverse 

 processes. The posterior part of the ring or arch 

 corresponds to the neural canal of the other vertebrse; 

 the anterior part is occupied by the odontoid process 

 of the axis (second cervical vertebra). This first 

 vertebra and its relation with the odontoid process 

 of the axis, below, and its superior articular surface 

 receiving the condyles of the occipital bone, held in 

 position by ligaments, permits the head to rotate and 

 bend forward and backward, as in turning the head 

 from side to side, and in nodding. The odontoid 

 process of the axis is held in position by a transverse 



