AQ THE STRUCTURE OF MAN 
indicated by the detailed characters of the transverse processes 
(Fig. 26, 6). [In the Platypus (Ornithorhynchus) reduced 
cervical ribs remain for life distinct on six of the seven neck 
vertebree, being absent from the atlas only, and one or more 
cervical ribs may occasionally retain their independence among 
the quadrupedal Mammals generally."] 
Al 
sexy 4 
y : Q Te 
Hai} 5; \ “ 
Gy pp Q 
in TAY REY, 
: AS 
= : 
tt 
ae 
4 i 
7 
Fia. 27.—A, PORTION OF THE THORACIC SKELETON OF AN ADULT FEMALE 
POSSESSED OF A PAIR OF FREE CERVICAL RIBS. 
The twelve normal pairs of thoracic ribs were present. Length of the right cervical rib 
3-5 cm., of the left 6-7 cm. r.c.vii.’, vertebral end of the cervical rib; 7.c.vit.”, 
sternal end of the same, fused with the manubrium sterni (the vertebral and sternal 
ends being in life connected by a ligamentous band, not indicated in the figure), 
r.th., first and second sternal ribs. 
B, EXAMPLE OF THE REDUCTION OF THE FIRST PAIR OF THORACIC 
Rips (AN ADULT MALE). 
There were twelve pairs of free ribs present, the first pair being reduced both in 
length and calibre. The left of these was 9, the right 8, cm. long. 7.th.7.’, vertebral 
end of the first rib; 7.th.7.”, its sternal end, synostotically united with the 
manubrium sterni (st.) ; 7.l., fibrous band, formed by retrogression of the missing 
portion of the rib. 
In both figures, I, II denote the first and second thoracic vertebre, VI, VII the two last 
cervical vertebre, (Adapted from Leboucq.) 
The greatest development of the seventh cervical rib would 
naturally be that of uninterrupted extension round the neck. 
Such an extraordinary condition has only apparently been once 
observed (by P. Albrecht). Cases in which the rib in question 
unites with the first thoracic rib by its cartilaginous extremity, 
before reaching the manubrium, are far more frequent. Some- 
times only the sternal and vertebral ends are found (in either 
a bony or cartilaginous state), the intermediate part being 
represented by a fibrous band. In spite of the reduced con- 
1 [Mivart has figured and described (for example) what appear to be practically 
stages in the redevelopment of the last cervical rib on opposite sides of the same 
vertebra of a Binturong (Arctictis), Proc. Zool. Soc., Lond., 1882, p. 461.] 
