SKELETON OF THE OX 



125 



THE PHALANGES AND SESAMOID BONES 



The axis of the phalanges of the hind hmb forms with the ground plane an 

 angle which is about five degrees greater than that of the fore limb, and the chief 

 differences in the form and size of the bones are as foUows: 



The first phalanx is a little shorter, wider above, and narrower below. 



The second phalanx is narrower and slightly longer. 



The third phalanx is narrower, the angle of inclination of the dorsal surface is a 

 httle (ca. 5 degrees) greater, the plantar surface is more concave, and the angles 

 are less prominent and closer together. The term plantar is to be substituted for 

 volar m the designation of corresponding features. 



The proximal sesamoids are a little smaller, except in thickness. The distal 

 sesamoid is narrower and shorter. 



SKELETON OF THE OX 



VERTEBRAL COLUMN 

 The usual vertebral formula is C7Ti3L6S6Cyi8-2o. 



The cervical vertebrae are much shorter than those of the horse and are smaller 

 in their other dimensions. The articular processes are smaller than in the horse, 

 and a plate of bone connects each two of the same side. The transverse processes 

 of the third, fourth, and fifth are double; the upper part projects backward, and 

 is short and stout; the lower part is directed 

 downward and forward, and is longer and 

 more plate-like. The lower part of the sixth 

 transverse process is a large, thick, quadri- 

 lateral and almost sagittal plate, directed 

 ventrally. The seventh transverse process is 

 single, short, and thick, and presents no fora- 

 men transversarium; it is in series with the 

 upper part of the preceding processes. The 

 spinous processes are well developed, and in- 

 crease in height from before backward. They 

 are directed upward and forward, with the ex- 

 ception of the last, which is nearly vertical 

 and is about four or five inches (ca. 10 to 12 

 cm.) in height. The summit of that of the 

 third vertebra is usually bifid. The ventral 

 spines are prominent and thick in their pos- 

 terior part; they are absent on the last two. 



The atlas has a large rough tuberosity 

 on its dorsal arch. The ventral arch is very 

 thick. The wings are less curved than in the 



horse, and the foramen transversarium is absent. The anterior articular cavities for 

 the occipital condyles are partially divided into dorsal and ventral parts by a non- 

 articular area, and are separated by a narrow interval below. The posterior artic- 

 ular surfaces are flattened behind and are continued into the vertebral canal, form- 

 ing an extensive area for the dens of the axis. 



The axis is short. The spine projects a little in front, and increases in height 

 and thickness behind; its posterior border descends abruptly. The dens is wide, 

 and its dorsal surface is deeply concave from side to side. The intervertebral 



Fig. 118. — Third Cervical Vertebra of Ox; 

 Lateral View. 

 1, Spinous process; 2, 2', anterior "and pos- 

 terior articular processes: 3, 3', ends of body; 

 4, 4', transverse process; 5, foramen transver- 

 sarium; 6, ventral apine. 



