THE SKELETON. 
69 
readily recognized, as it possesses a conical tooth-like process, and 
has a massive spine which is bifid posteriorly. The bodies of the 
fourth, fifth, and sixth are short ; the spinous processes are also short. 
The seventh may be distinguished by its long spine, and also by 
its having on its posterior edge a cavity for the articulation of the 
first rib. Owing to the immense weight of the head we find that 
the neck is extremely short. The latitude of motion possessed by 
each bone on those to which it is attached is not as great in elephants 
as in most other animals ; accordingly, we find the general flexibility 
of the neck is comparatively limited, and that when an animal is 
desirous of observing an object posterior to the direct line of 
vision it is necessary for him to turn his body more or less in that 
direction. 
Dorsal vertebrae. — Nineteen to twenty in number. They are 
intermediate in size between the cervical and lumbar, and are to be 
distinguished by their long superior spinous processes, which proceed 
upwards and incline backwards ; they form the withers " and 
greater portion of the spinal ridge. They also bear articular surfaces 
for the reception and attachment of the heads of the ribs. 
Lumbar vertebrae. — The lumbar vertebrae are three in number ; 
they may be distinguished by their longish, flattened, transverse 
processes, which give support to the muscles of the loins. 
Sacral vertebrae. — The sacrum is short and arched, and formed 
by the union of three or four bones which in the young animal are 
separate. It is more or less triangular in shape, with its base 
anteriorly and apex posteriorly placed. In very old animals the 
last lumbar vertebra may become united to the sacrum. The 
sacrum forms a roof to the pelvis, and affords protection to its 
contents. 
Caudal vertebrae. — Thirty-one in number, but in manv speci- 
mens it will be found that from accident, etc., there are less. The 
anterior ones show in a rudimentary form the essential parts of a 
vertebra, but posteriorly they become cylindrical rods, convex on 
their anterior and posterior surfaces. 
The head and first bone of the neck have free motion up and 
down. The joint formed by the next bone of the neck also has free 
motion chiefly to either side. The bones of the back have the 
least motion ; they confer strength and permit of motion of the ribs. 
The bones of the loins possess slightly more motion. If the verte- 
brae be examined, certain holes will be observed on either side ; 
these are for the passage of spinal nerves, etc. 
Sternum. — The sternum or breast bone is situated in the middle 
line, on the inferior aspect of the chest. In young animals it is 
cartilaginous, and consists of several segments, which later on 
