THE SPINE. 89 



teriorly, the body is flat ; inferiorly, concave from front 

 to back. From the upper surface projects the conical 

 odontoid process, which is slightly constricted at the 

 base, and terminates above in a strong, blunt apex. On 

 its anterior surface is the oval articular facet for articula- 

 tion with the anterior arch of the atlas. At the base of 

 the odontoid process, on each side, are well-marked 

 nutrient foramina, sometimes two or more in number. 

 The superior surfaces are flat, and look upward and 

 slightly outward. They are placed upon the pedicles. 

 Encroaching upon the transverse processes, they over- 

 hang the vertebral foramina. The inferior processes pre- 

 sent forward and downward. 

 The transverse processes pro- 

 ject strongly downward, and 

 are traversed by the vertebral 

 canal, which at first ascends, 

 then curves horizontally out- 

 ward. The laminae are strong ; 

 sharp above, thick below. On 

 the upper surface are the ver- F 10 - SS.-SEVENTH CERVICAL, OB 



\ EKTEBRA PROMINENS. 



tebral grooves, which lodge 



the vertebral arteries as they pass behind the superior 

 articular surfaces. Nutrient foramina, some of large size 

 and rather constant in position, exist on the superior sur- 

 face of the laminae. The spinous process is bifid below. 

 It affords attachment to muscles. 



The seventh cervical, known as the vertebra promi- 

 nens, is distinguished by its long, spinous process, which 

 is neither split nor bifid. It serves for the attachment 

 of the ligamentum nuchae, or suspensory ligament of the 

 head. 



The dorsal vertebrae, twelve in number, present the 

 following characters : Their bodies are heavier and larger 



