6 THE SKELETON 



The laminae are broad plates of bone continuous with tlie pedieles; each 

 lamina meets its fellow dorsally to complete the neural arch, and conjointly form 

 the spinous process. The superior' l)orders of the laminje are rough for the inser- 

 tion of liiiauitiita subflava. The anterior surface, in its upper part, is smooth 

 where it bounds tlie neural canal. The lower part is rough for the origin of the 



Fio. "). — A Thoracic Yeetebka. (Side view.) 



d:mi-facet for head of f.ib 



SUPERIOR ARTICULAR PROCESS 

 PEDICLE 



FACET FOR TUBERCLE OF RIB 



TRANSVERSE PROCESS 



SPINOUS PROCESS 



ligamenta subflava. This rough surface is continuous with tlie inferior border of 

 the spinous process. 



The spinous process projects backwards and dowuAvards from the confluent 

 laminae. To its upper and lower liorders the interspinous ligaments are attached; 

 its tip is rounded for the supraspinous ligament. It is mainly a muscular process. 



Fig. 6. — A Thoracic Yerterra. 



UMINA 



SPINOUS PROCESS 



FACET FOR TUBERCLE OF RIB 



DEMI-FACET FOR HEAD 



TRANSVERSE PROCESS 



Till' articular processes are four in nmnber: two are superior; they s])ring 

 iron) tlie junction of the pedicles with the lamin;e and have their articular facets 

 directed backwards, with a slightly outward tendency; their anterior surfaces 

 complete tlie intervertel)ral foramina; posteriorly their inargins give attachment to 

 ca]tsular ligaments. Tlie inferior articular ]trocesses are slightly concave oval facets 

 on the lower and outer angles of the anterior surfaces of the lamina\ They are 

 directed forwards and sliglitlv inwards. 



