502 



THE MECHANICAL FUNCTIONS. 



ther, and composing a ligament of great length 

 and power. It differs in its structure from 

 ordinary ligaments, being highly elastic, so that 

 it yields to the extension of the neck when 

 the animal lowers its head, and gives consider- 

 able assistance to the muscles in raising it. In 



the deer and the ox, which toss their heads 

 with force, and especially in the males, which 

 are armed with antlers or horns, the muscles 

 performing those motions are remarkably strong, 

 and the spinous processes of the back particu- 

 larly prominent. In the loins, on the contrary, 

 we find the transverse processes more enlarged, 

 for the purpose of giving a powerful mechanical 

 purchase to the muscles which are inserted into 

 them. 



The chest of ruminant quadrupeds is com- 

 pressed laterally in order to allow room for the 



