SKELETON OF THE OX 125 
THE PHALANGES AND SESAMOID BONES 
The axis of the phalanges of the hind limb 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 follows: 
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 
little (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 in 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 C7Ti3LeSsCyis—20. 
The cervical vertebre 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 
em.) in height. The summit of that of the 
third vertebra is usually bifid. The ventral Fic. 118—Tsmep Crrvicat Verresra oF Ox; 
spines are prominent and thick in their pos- ‘ aE VIED 
terior part; they are absent on the last two. eee Se Pcs aig cee een) Ske, DOS: 
= rior articular processes; 3, 3’, ends of body; 
The atlas has a large rough tuberosity 4, 4’, transverse process; 5, foramen transver- 
on its dorsal arch. The ventral arch is very  *8"um; 6, ventral spine. 
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 
