VERTEBRM 



29 



two centres, distinct from each other and from the body of the vertebra. After 

 the axis, the cervical vertebnij diminish in length and increase in thickness ; 

 while the obliquity of their articular processes becomes more pronounced the 

 more distant they are from that vertebra. 



Third, fourth, and fifth. — Each of these has, at its transverse processes, two 

 prolongations — one anterior, the other posterior. The inferior face of their bodies 



Fig. 17. 



AXIS AND SIXTH CERVICAL OF THE HORSE AND ASS. 



A. Axis of the Horse. 1, spinous process ; 2, tiaasverse process ; 3, odontoid process ; 

 4, lateral articular facet. 



B, Axis of the Ass. Same numbers and same signification. 



a', Sixth cervical vertebra of the Horse. 1, Articular hend ; 2, posterior articular process ; 

 3, articular cavity ; 4, posterior proloncration of the transverse process; 5, anterior ditto. 

 b', Sixth cervical vertebra of the Ass. Same numbers and same signification. 



exhibits a median spine terminated posteriorly by a tubercle, which gradually 

 increases in volume from the third to the fifth vertebra. 



The third presents, between its anterior and posterior articular processes, an 

 almost complete gap ; if its anterior extremity be placed on a horizontal plane, 

 it will touch that plane by its articular and transverse processes and its head. 



