52 The Alligator and Its Allies 
the hypapophysis. On each side of the centrum, 
near its anterior end, is a facet with which the lower 
branch (capitulum) of the rib articulates. The 
neural arch is strongly developed and is extended 
dorsally into a prominent neural spine and on each 
Fic. 17. First Four CERVICAL VERTEBRZ OF A CROCODILE 
(C. vulgaris). (From Reynolds, partly after Von Zittel.) 
1. pro-atlas. 7. tubercular portion of fourth 
2. lateral portion of atlas. cervical rib. 
3. odontoid process. 8. first cervical rib. 
4. ventral portion of atlas. 9. second cervical rib. 
5. neural spine of axis. 10. convex posterior surface of cen- 
6. postzygapophysis of fourth trum of fourth vertebra. , 
vertebra, 
side as a short, blunt, transverse process with which 
the tubercle or upper branch of the rib articulates. 
Posteriorly the arch is notched on each side to form 
the openings for the exit of the spinal nerves. Pro- 
jecting dorsally and anteriorly from the arch are 
two short processes which bear the medially and 
dorsally facing prezygapophyses (Fig. 17). Just 
caudad to these processes are somewhat shorter 
