The Axis, or second Cervical, is distinguished by its
large, strong spinous process, which is bifid at its tip, by its superior articular processes which rest upon body, pedicles, and transverses, and by its odontoid process, upreared from the body. The Seventh Cervical, or Vertebral Prominens, usually has a large spinous process, presents no foramina in its transverse processes, or only one, the left, and shows no facets on body or transverse for the rib articulation, as do the Dorsals. The Sacrum is the largest vertebra; is curved with its convexity backward; is commonly made up of five fused segments ; has only rudimentary spinous and transverse processes except the first ; and shows sixteen openings, eight anterior and eight posterior, or four on either side of the median line in front and the same number and arrangement behind. These openings permit the exit of the anterior and posterior primary divisions of the sacral nerves separately. The Coccyx, usually composed of four fused segments, is a triangular bone which articulates with the Sacrum above and is free at its distal extremity. Fairfax Chiropractic Its portion of the neural canal is open posteriorly and contains merely the
thread-like termination of the cord membranes.
Comments