ARTICULATIONS OP THE VERTEBRA. 45 1 



dense, very strong, and having the fibres vertical. They 

 oppose flexion, and by their elasticity restore the spine to 

 its erect condition. 



5. The Supra-spinous ligament is found at the extremity 

 of the spinous processes, from the last cervical vertebra to 

 the sacrum. In the neck it is continued on to the occipital 

 bone, under the title of ligamentum nuclice. It separates the 

 muscles on either side of the median line, and is the rudi- 

 mentary structure of this very powerful ligament in the 

 lower animals. 



6. The Inter-spinous ligaments are situated between the 

 gpinous process of the dorsal and lumbar regions, above and 

 below, and not between those of the neck. They are thin in 

 the back, and thicker and stronger in the loins, and have 

 the multifidus spinge muscles attached to them. 



T. The Inter-transverse ligaments are situated between 

 the transverse processes of the lower dorsal and lumbar 

 vertebrae, not being distinct either in the cervical or upper 

 dorsal. They consist of thin fibrous membranes. 



8. Articulation of the oblique processes. These processes 

 have an irregular capsule, consisting of ligamentous fibres 

 not fully developed, extending from one bone to the other. 

 Their articular surfaces are covered with cartilage, and 

 connected by synovia! membranes. 



PECULIAR ARTICULATIONS OF THE VERTEBRAL COLUMN. 



1. Articulation of the atlas with the occiput. The condyles 

 of the occipital bone, and the oblique processes of the atlas, 

 are the bony portions especially concerned in the joint. 

 There is the usual cartilage and synovial membrane at this 

 joint; and also a ligamentous capsule, or capsular ligament 

 on each side, which is attached to the circumference of the 

 condyles and the margin of the glenoid cavity of the atlas. 

 This capsule consists of thin and loose fibres which are, 

 however, strong at the anterior and external parts. 



Anterior ligaments, (anterior occipito-atloid.) These are 

 two in number, one a strong, round cord, situated on the 

 median line, and extending from the basilar process to 



