448 



CERVICAL VERTEBB^E. 



inferior are circular, nearly flat, and suited to the rotatory 

 motion. The transverse processes are noted for their great 

 length projecting much beyond those below, and have the 

 foramen at their base for the passage of the vertebral 

 artery. 



The axis, or second cervical vertebra, is also called the 

 dentata from its tooth-like or odontoid process, which is the 

 FIG. 126. peculiar characteristic of this vertebra. 



This process arises from the central part 

 of the superior surface of the body, and 

 ascends vertically. It presents some- 

 what the form of a tooth hence its 

 name. Its anterior surface is smooth, 

 / ~ and articulates with the anterior arch of 

 the atlas. Its posterior is also smooth, and has the trans- 

 verse ligament in connection with it. Its apex is pointed 

 for the attachment of the vertical ligament, and upon 

 each side, from a rough surface, originate the moderator or 

 FIG. 127. check ligaments. This process is the 



pivot round which turns the atlas. The 

 spinous process is long, large, and 

 forked. The spinal foramen is heart- 

 shaped. The superior oblique processes 

 are seen, on each side of the odontoid, 

 on a plane anterior to those below, and 

 are smooth, circular, and nearly hori- 

 zontal. The inferior look forward and downward, and 

 are flat. The transverse processes are short and not 

 bifid the body of this vertebra is large. The cervical ver- 

 tebras increase gradually in size to the seventh, (Fig. 12*7.) 

 The seventh cervical is called vertebra prominens , from its 



FIG. 126 represents the Dentata or second bone of the Vertebrae, a Body. 

 6 Odontoid process, c Articular face for atlas, d Foramen for vertebral 

 artery, e Spinous process. / Inferior oblique process, g Superior oblique 

 process. 



FIG. 127 represents the seventh cervical vertebra, seen from below. 1 

 Spinous process. 2 Vertebral foramen. 3 Articular process. 4 Lateral 

 lamina. 5 Foramen for vertebral artery and vein. 6 Germ of the accessory 

 rib. 7 Supernumerary rib at its styloid. 8 Body. 



