AR TICULA 776LV.V. LIGAMEXTS. 



463 



Give the function of the articular processes and tell illicit kind of joints tlicv 

 form when in juxtaposition. 



The articular processes, by their union, make the vertebral column a concrete 

 whole, the separate parts of which column move or turn on each other. They 

 form diarthrodial articulations of the arthrodial subdivision. The basis of the 

 joint is a capsule lined by synovial membrane. 



Give the function of the transverse processes and explain their serial morphology 

 in the four regions of the column. 



The transverse processes are for the attachment of ligaments, muscles, and 

 either fully developed ribs, or rudimentary ones, called costal elements. The 

 simplest series is in the thoracic region. Here we find a transverse process articu- 

 lating with a rib in such a manner as to leave a space bounded by a rib, transverse 

 process, and pedicle. This space is a vascular opening, and is called a costo- 



The interspinoua 

 ligament 



The supraspinoua 

 ligament 



FIG. 335. THE INTERSPINOUS AND SUPRASPINOUS LIGAMENTS IN THE LUMBAR REGION. 



transverse space. The extremes of the column show this costo-transverse space : 

 a well-formed vertebral canal in the cervical region ; a mere collection of small 

 foramina in the lumbar region ; a depression transmitting a few small vessels in 

 the sacrum, between the costal and the transverse element of the ala of this bone. 

 (Fig. 334.) In the cervical region the rudimentary rib obtains as the anterior 

 tubercle ; in the thoracic region the costal portion is maximal a rib ; in the 

 lumbar region, the transverse process is suppressed and the costal element is 

 very large ; in the sacral region the costal elements of the first three sacral 

 vertebrae are modified to form the auricular part of the sacrum, for articulation 

 with the ilium. 



In view of the great importance of the subject of the serial morphology ot 

 the vertebrae in your dissections, I here introduce figure 334, which will illustrate 

 the foregoing, leaving the subject of morphology for the student to read up in 

 Morris. 



Give the function of the spinons processes and name their ligaments. 



