148 



THE SKELETON. 



ment of the Longus colli muscle of either side. The odontoid process presents 

 two articulating surfaces : one in front, of an oval form, for articulation with the 



Odontoid process. 



Rough surface for check ligaments. 

 Articular surface for transverse ligament 



.Articular surface for 

 atlas. 



BptooM process- 



Transverse process. 



Inferior articular process. 

 FIG. 111. Second cervical vertebra, or axis. 



atlas ; another behind, for the transverse ligament the latter frequently encroach- 

 ing on the sides of the process. The apex is pointed, and gives attachment to one 

 fasciculus of the odontoid ligament (ligamentum suspensorium). Below the apex 

 the process is somewhat enlarged, and presents on either side a rough impression 

 for the attachment of the lateral fasciculi of the odontoid or check ligaments, 

 which connect it to the occipital bone ; the base of the process, where it is attached 

 to the body, is constricted, so as to prevent displacement from the transverse 



ligament, which binds it in this 



Body. situation to the anterior arch of 



the atlas. Sometimes, however, 

 this process does become dis- 

 placed, especially in children, in 

 whom the ligaments are more 

 relaxed : instant death is the 

 result of this accident. The 

 pedicles are broad and strong, 

 especially their anterior extrem- 

 ities, which coalesce with the 

 sides of the body and the root of 

 the odontoid process. The lam- 

 inae are thick and strong, and the 

 spinal foramen large, but smaller 

 than that of the atlas. The trans- 

 verse processes are very small, 

 not bifid, and perforated by the 

 vertebral foramen, or foramen 

 for the vertebral artery, which is 

 directed obliquely upward and 

 outward. The superior articular 

 surfaces are round, slightly convex, directed upward and outward, and are 

 peculiar in being supported on the body, pedicles, and transverse processes. The 

 inferior articular surfaces have the same direction as those of the other cervical 

 vertebrae. The superior inter vertebral notches are very shallow, and lie behind 

 the articular processes ; the inferior in front of them, as in the other cervical 

 vertebrae. The spinous process is of large size, very strong, deeply channelled on 

 its under surface, and presents a bifid, tubercular extremity for the attachment of 

 muscles which serve to rotate the head upon the spine. 



Seventh Cervical (Fig. 112). The most distinctive character of this vertebra is 



Spinous process. 

 FIG. 112. Seventh cervical vertebra, or vertebra prominens. 



