The different regions of the spine show decided differ-
ences in structure, though all resemble each other. The
Cervicals are smallest, the Dorsals next in size, and the
Lumbars largest and strongest of the movable vertebrae.
The Dorsals have facets and demi-facets for the articulation
of the twelve pairs of ribs with their bodies and interverte-
bral substance, as well as oval facets upon the anterior
aspect of their transverses for articulation with the tubercles
of the ribs. Presented by Phil Golinksy.
The spinous processes are smallest and usually bifur-
cated down to and including the fifth. The sixth may show
a plain bifurcation, or on any Cervical the bifurcation may
be so small as to be imperceptible to touch. The spinous
process of the second overlies that of the third so as to
make the latter very difficult of detection. Indeed, all cer-
vical spinous processes down to the sixth are harder to
palpate than those in other regions, owing to the anterior
cervical curve. The processes lie in a groove between
prominent muscle ridges.
