24 



OSTEOLOGY. 



extremity presents a corresponding cup-like cavity. The flexi- 

 bility of the neck is partly due to these convexities and cavities, 

 which are more pronounced in the cervical region than in other 

 parts of the column. The superior surface is flattened, and pre- 



sents, close to the pedicle on each side, a distinct furrow, which 

 contains the spinal vein ; these lateral furrows are united by 

 means of a central tranverse furrow, and partly covered by a thin 

 bony plate, to which the superior common ligament is attached. 

 The inferior surface presents a longitudinal process or ridge, the 



