262 SKELETON OF THE RABBIT 



b. The second or axis vertebra. 



i. The centrum is broad and flat, and is produced 

 in front into the conical odontoid process, 

 which is probably the centrum of the atlas 

 vertebra. The suture between' the odontoid 

 process and the body of the axis is readily 

 seen in young rabbits. 



ii. The neurapophysis forms a large vertical crest, 

 very prominent in front, and biiid behind. 



iii. The transverse processes are small, backwardly 

 directed spines, perforated at their bases by 

 the vertebrarterial canals. 



iv. The anterior articular surfaces are large and 

 convex, and situated at the sides of the anterior 

 end of the centrum. 



V. The post-zygapophyses project backwards from 

 the hinder edge of the neural arch, their 

 articular surfaces facing downwards and 

 outwards. 



c. The remaining cervical vertebrae : — third to seventh. 



i. The centra are short, broad from side to side, 

 thin from above downwards, and obliquely 

 truncated at the ends. The centrum of the 

 seventh vertebra bears at its posterior end a 

 pair of facets, which form parts of the articular 

 surfaces for the heads of the first pair of 

 thoracic ribs. 



ii. The neurapophyses are small, excepting that of 

 the seventh vertebra. 



iii. The transverse processes are perforated at their 

 bases by the vertebrarterial canals : beyond 

 these they divide into dorsal and ventral por- 

 tions, of which the latter, the inferior lamellse, 

 form prominent bony plates, except in the 

 seventh vertebra in which they are absent. 



iv. The zygapophyses are borne on the sides of the 

 neural arches; the anterior facing upwards 



