H. S. Jennings

The skeleton of the cat consists of 230 to 247 bones exclusive of the sesamoid bones (44) and the chevron bones (8). These are divided as follows: head 35-40, vertebral column 52-53, ribs 26, sternum 1-8, pelvis 2-8, upper extremities 62, lower extremities 54-56. The number of bones varies with the age of the individual, being fewer in the old than in the young animal, owing to the fact that in an old animal some bones that were originally separate have united.

I. THE VERTEBRAL COLUMN. COLUMNA VERTEBRALIS.

The vertebral column, spinal column, or back-bone, consists of a varying number of separate bones, the vertebrÆ. At its cranial end are seven vertebrÆ (cervical, Fig. 1, c) which are without ribs and support the head; caudad of these are thirteen rib-bearing vertebrÆ (thoracic, Fig. 1, m); caudad of these are seven that are again without ribs (lumbar, Fig. 1, o); these are followed by three vertebrÆ (sacral, Fig. 1, x) which are united into a single bone, the sacrum, which supports the pelvic arch. Following the sacral vertebrÆ are twenty-two or twenty-three small ribless vertebrÆ which support the tail (caudal, Fig. 1, y).

Fig. 1.—Skeleton of Cat.

a, skull; b, hyoid; c, cervical vertebrÆ; d, clavicle; e, scapula; f, sternum; g, humerus; h, radius; i, ulna; j, carpus; k, metacarpus; l, phalanges; m, thoracic vertebrÆ; n, ribs; o, lumbar vertebrÆ; p, innominate bones; q, femur; r, patella; s, fibula; t, tibia; u, tarsus; v, metatarsus; w, phalanges; x, sacrum; y, caudal vertebrÆ.

Thoracic VertebrÆ. VertebrÆ thoracales

(Fig. 4).—The thoracic vertebrÆ are most typical, and the fourth one of these may therefore be first described (Figs. 2 and 3). It forms an oval ring which has numerous processes and surrounds an opening which is the vertebral foramen (a). The ventral one-third of this ring is much thickened and forms the centrum or body (corpus) (b) of the vertebra. The centrum is a semicylinder, the plane face of which bounds the vertebral canal, while the curved surface is concave longitudinally and is directed ventrad. The dorsal plane surface of the centrum is marked by a median longitudinal ridge on either side of which is an opening (nutrient foramen) for a blood-vessel. The ends are nearly plane, the caudal being slightly concave; they are harder and smoother than the other surfaces. They may be easily separated in a young specimen as thin plates of bone known as epiphyses.

Fig. 2.—Fourth Thoracic Vertebra, Cranial End.

Fig. 3.—Fourth Thoracic Vertebra, Side View.

a, vertebral foramen; b, centrum; c, caudal, and d, cranial, costal demifacets; e, radix or pedicle; f, lamina; g, transverse process; h, cranial articular facet; i, caudal articular facet; j, caudal articular process; k, spinous process.

At the caudal end of the centrum, at its dorsolateral angle, is a smooth area on each side continuous with the surface of the epiphysis and bounded dorsolaterally by a sharp ridge of bone (c). It is a costal demifacet. In corresponding positions at the cranial end of the centrum are two demifacets not limited by bony ridges (d). When the centra of two contiguous thoracic vertebrÆ are placed together in the natural position the cranial costal demifacets of one together with the caudal demifacets of the other form two costal facets (Fig. 4, e), one on each side, and each receives the head of a rib.

The dorsal two-thirds of the vertebral ring forms the vertebral arch which is continued dorsally into the long, bluntly pointed spinous process (Figs. 2 and 3, k) for attachment of muscles.

The vertebral arch (each half of which is sometimes called a neurapophysis) rises on each side from the cranial two-thirds of the dorsolateral angle of the centrum, as a thickened portion, the radix or pedicle (Figs. 2 and 3, e), which forms the ventral half of the lateral boundary of the vertebral canal. From the dorsal end of each radix a flat plate of bone, the lamina (f), extends caudomediad to join its fellow of the opposite side and form the vertebral arch. Owing to the fact that the radix rises from only the cranial two-thirds of the centrum there is left in the caudal border of the vertebral arch a notch bounded by the radix, the lamina, and the centrum. There is also a slight excavation of the cranial border of the radix. When the vertebrÆ are articulated in the natural position, these notches form the intervertebral foramina (Fig. 4, d), for the exit of the spinal nerves.

At the junction of radix and lamina the arch is produced craniolaterad into a short process, the transverse process (g), knobbed at the end. On the ventral face of its free end the transverse process bears a smooth facet, the transverse costal facet or tubercular facet (Fig. 4, c), for articulation with the tubercle of a rib.

On the dorsal face of each lamina at its cranial border is a smooth oval area, the cranial articular facet (superior articular facet of human anatomy) (Figs. 2 and 3, h). Its long axis is oblique and it looks dorsolaterad. The slight projections of the cranial edge of the laminÆ on which the facets are situated are the inconspicuous cranial articular processes (prezygapophyses).

On the ventral surface of each lamina at the caudal border, near the middle line is a similar area, the caudal articular facet (inferior articular facet of human anatomy) (i); these occupy the ventral surfaces of two projections which form the caudal (inferior) articular processes (postzygapophyses) (j). These are separated by a median notch. When the vertebrÆ are in their natural position the caudal articular facets lie dorsad of the cranial facets and fit against them. They thus strengthen the joint between contiguous vertebrÆ, while permitting slight rotary motion.

Fig. 4.—Thoracic VertebrÆ, Side View.

a, spinous processes; b, cranial articular processes; c, transverse costal facets; d, intervertebral foramina; e, costal facets; f, accessory processes; g, mammillary processes; h, caudal articular processes.

Differential Characters of the Thoracic VertebrÆ (Fig. 4).—Following the thoracic vertebrÆ caudad there is to be seen a gradual increase in the size of the centra brought about by an increase in their craniocaudal and transverse measurements. The dorsoventral measurements remain nearly the same. The costal facets (Fig. 4, e) shift caudad so that on the eleventh, twelfth, and thirteenth thoracic vertebrÆ each lies entirely on the cranial end of its centrum, while the caudal end of the centrum immediately preceding is not marked by any part of it. In the eleventh thoracic vertebra each costal facet is usually still confluent with the smooth cranial end of the centrum. In the twelfth vertebra the facets are separated by smooth ridges from the cranial end of the vertebra, while in the thirteenth vertebra they are separated by rough ridges.

The spinous processes (a) of the first four are of about the same length. They then decrease in length to the twelfth, while the twelfth and thirteenth are slightly longer than the eleventh. The first ten slope more or less caudad, while the spinous process of the tenth (anticlinal) vertebra is vertical and those of the eleventh, twelfth, and thirteenth point craniad.

Each of the transverse processes of the seventh thoracic vertebra shows a tendency to divide into three tubercles; one of these is directed craniad, the mammillary process (or metapophysis), one caudad, the accessory process (or anapophysis), while the third (transverse process proper) looks ventrad and bears the transverse costal facet. This division becomes more prominent in the succeeding vertebrÆ, being most marked in the ninth and tenth. In the eleventh, twelfth, and thirteenth vertebrÆ the mammillary (g) and accessory (f) processes are very pronounced, while the transverse costal facet and that part of the transverse process which bears it have disappeared. The ribs of the eleventh, twelfth, and thirteenth vertebrÆ are thus attached to their respective centra by their heads alone.

The cranial articular processes (b) are prominent on the first two thoracic vertebrÆ; back of these they are very small as far as the eleventh, so that the articular facets seem to be borne merely upon the dorsal surface of the cranial edge of the laminÆ. In the eleventh, twelfth, and thirteenth the cranial articular processes are large, bearing the articular facets on their medial surfaces, while the mammillary processes appear as tubercles on the lateral surfaces of the articular processes. The caudal articular processes (h) are prominent in the first thoracic, then smaller until the tenth is reached; in the tenth, eleventh, twelfth, and thirteenth they are large and their facets are borne laterally, so as to face the corresponding cranial facets. Thus from the tenth to the thirteenth thoracic vertebra rotary motion is very limited, owing to the interlocking of the articular processes.

The Lumbar VertebrÆ. VertebrÆ lumbales

(Fig. 5).—The last thoracic vertebrÆ form the transition to the typical lumbar vertebrÆ. These are larger than the thoracic vertebrÆ. The centra are of the form of the centra of the thoracic vertebrÆ, and increase in length to the sixth, but the seventh is about the length of the first. They increase in breadth to the last.

Fig. 5.—Lumbar VertebrÆ.

a, cranial articular processes; b, mammillary processes; c, caudal articular processes; d, accessory processes; e, transverse processes; f, spinous processes.

The cranial articular processes (Fig. 5, a) are prominent and directed craniodorsad; they have the facets on their medial surfaces, while their dorsolateral surfaces bear the mammillary processes (b) as prominent tubercles. The caudal articular processes (c) are likewise large; their facets look laterad. When the vertebrÆ are articulated they are received between the medially directed cranial processes.

The accessory processes (d) are well developed on the first vertebra, diminish in size to the fifth or sixth, and are absent on the seventh and sometimes on the sixth.

The transverse processes (more properly pseudo-transverse processes) (e) arise from the lateral surface of the centra; are flat and are directed ventrocraniolaterad. The first is small, and they increase in length and breadth from the first to the sixth, those of the last being slightly smaller than in the sixth. The free ends of the last four are curved craniad.

The spinous processes (f) are flat and directed craniodorsad. They increase in length to the fifth and then decrease. The first five are knobbed at the end. In a dorsal view the spinous process and cranial articular processes of each vertebra are seen to interlock with the caudal articular processes and accessory processes of the preceding vertebra in such a way as to prevent rotary motion, and this arrangement may be traced craniad as far as the eleventh thoracic vertebra.

Sacral VertebrÆ. VertebrÆ sacrales

(Figs. 6 and 7).—The three sacral vertebrÆ are united in the adult into a single bone, the os sacrum, or sacrum. In a kitten the three vertebrÆ are separate, while in an animal almost mature the first two are united and the third is still separate. The sacrum lies between the last lumbar and the first caudal vertebrÆ and articulates laterally with the two innominate bones. It is pyramidal, with the base of the pyramid directed craniad, and is perforated by a depressed longitudinal canal, the sacral canal, which is a continuation of the vertebral canal, and by four large foramina dorsally and four ventrally. It may be described as having a cranial end or base and a caudal end or apex, a dorsal, a ventral, and two lateral surfaces.

The base is slightly oblique and presents a smooth transversely oval articular facet (the cranial end of the centrum of the first sacral vertebra), for articulation with the centrum of the last lumbar vertebra. Dorsad of this is the sacral canal, more depressed than the vertebral arch craniad of it. It supports a spinous process (Fig. 6, a) which is directed dorsad. At the junction of its lamina and radix is seen the prominent cranial articular process (b) with sometimes slight indications of a mammillary process on its lateral surface. Laterad of the articular facet is seen the cranial face of the expanded “pseudo-transverse process” (c) of the first sacral vertebra. The ventral border of the base is concave ventrad, forming an arc of about 120 degrees. The apex shows the caudal end of the last sacral centrum. Dorsad of this are the vertebral arch with a very short spinous process (a'), and the caudal articular processes (d). Laterad of the centrum appears the laterally directed thin transverse process (e).

Fig. 6.—Sacrum, Dorsal Surface.

Fig. 7.—Sacrum, Ventral Surface.

Fig. 6.—1, 2, 3, the three sacral vertebrÆ. a, a', spinous processes; b, cranial articular process of first sacral vertebra; c, expanded transverse process of first sacral vertebra; d, caudal articular processes of third sacral vertebra; e, transverse processes of third sacral vertebra; f, tubercles formed by fused articular processes of the vertebrÆ; g, dorsal (or posterior) sacral foramina.

Fig. 7.—1, 2, 3, the three sacral vertebrÆ. a, the transverse ridges formed by the union of the centra; b, cranial articular processes of first vertebra; c, transverse process of first vertebra; d, caudal articular processes of third vertebra; e, transverse processes of third sacral vertebra; f, f', ventral (or anterior) sacral foramina; g, notch which helps to form third ventral sacral foramen.

The ventral or pelvic surface (Fig. 7) is smooth, concave craniad, convex caudad, and crossed by two transverse ridges (a) along which are seen the ossified remains of the intervertebral fibro-cartilages. At the ends of the first ridge is a pair of nearly circular ventral (or anterior) sacral foramina (f) for the passage of sacral nerves. At the end of the second ridge is a pair of ventral sacral foramina (f'), smaller than the first pair and continued laterocaudad into shallow grooves for the ventral rami of the sacral nerves. That portion of the bone lying laterad of a line joining the medial borders of these two pairs of foramina is known as the lateral mass of the sacrum and is composed of the fused transverse processes of the sacral vertebrÆ. At the caudal margin of the ventral surface there is a notch between the lateral mass and the centrum (g). When the caudal vertebrÆ are articulated, this notch helps to form a foramen for the third sacral nerve.

The dorsal surface (Fig. 6) is narrower at its cranial end than is the ventral surface. Its cranial border bears laterally a pair of cranial articular processes (b) with their medially directed facets and between them it is concave, so that a large dorsal opening is left into the vertebral canal between the last lumbar vertebra and the sacrum. Caudad of the articular processes are two pairs of tubercles (f). These are the fused cranial and caudal articular processes of the sacral vertebrÆ. Caudad of them are the caudal articular processes of the last sacral vertebra (d). Craniolaterad of the middle and cranial tubercles are dorsal (posterior) sacral foramina (g) for the transmission of the dorsal rami of the sacral nerves. Three spinous processes (a) appear between these rows of tubercles. They decrease in height caudad. That part of the surface included between the spinous process and the tubercles is made up of the fused laminÆ of the sacral vertebrÆ. That part between the tubercles and a line joining the lateral margins of the dorsal (posterior) sacral foramina is formed by the fused radices of the sacral vertebrÆ.

The lateral surface may be divided into two parts. Craniad is a large rough triangular area with equal sides and with one of its angles directed ventrocraniad. It is the lateral face of the pseudo-transverse process of the first sacral vertebra (Fig. 6, c). A smooth curved surface (the auricular facet) along its ventral edge articulates with the ilium, while the dorsal portion is rough for attachment of ligaments. Caudad is the narrow longitudinal triangular area of the lateral faces of the fused transverse processes of the second and third sacral vertebrÆ.

Caudal VertebrÆ. VertebrÆ caudales

(Fig. 1, y, and Figs. 8 and 9).—The caudal vertebrÆ (21-23 in number) decrease gradually in size to the last one. Caudad they become longer and more slender and lose the character of vertebrÆ. They become finally reduced to mere centra,—slender rods of bone knobbed or enlarged at their two ends (Fig. 8). The last one is more pointed than the others and bears at its caudal end a small separate conical piece, the rudiment of an additional vertebra.

Fig. 8.

Fig. 9.

Fig. 8.—Caudal Vertebra, from near the caudal end of the tail.

Fig. 9.—Fourth Caudal Vertebra, ventral view. a, transverse processes; b, cranial articular processes; c, hÆmal processes; d, chevron bone.

The parts of a typical vertebra—vertebral arch, transverse processes, cranial and caudal articular processes—may be recognized in the vertebrÆ as far back as the eighth or ninth. The transverse processes (Fig. 9, a) are directed caudad and decrease rapidly in length. They are very small on the ninth vertebra, but may be recognized for a considerable distance back of this. The spinous process disappears at about the fourth caudal vertebra, and the vertebral canal becomes gradually smaller caudad, until on the eighth or ninth vertebra it becomes merely a groove open dorsad.

Caudad of the third vertebra for a considerable distance, each centrum bears on each lateral face at its cranial end a short anterior transverse process, and on its ventral face at its cranial end a pair of rounded tubercles, hÆmal processes (c), which articulate with a small pyramidal chevron bone (d) so as to enclose a canal. These structures disappear caudad.

Cervical VertebrÆ. VertebrÆ cervicales

(Fig. 10).—The cervical vertebrÆ number seven. The first two of these are so peculiar as to require a separate description, so that the last five may be first considered.

Passing craniad from the fourth thoracic vertebra to the third cervical there is a gradual transition. The centra of the cervical vertebrÆ are broader and thinner than those of the thoracic vertebrÆ, while the vertebral arches and vertebral canal are larger (Fig. 11). The caudal end of each centrum is concave and looks dorsocaudad when the centrum is held with its long axis horizontal. The cranial end of the centrum is convex and looks ventrocraniad when the centrum is horizontal. These peculiarities are more marked in the third vertebra than in the seventh. The spinous processes grow rapidly shorter as we pass craniad; the fifth, sixth, and seventh are directed dorsocraniad, the third and fourth dorsad.

Fig. 10.—Cervical VertebrÆ, Side View.

a, spinous processes; b, cranial articular processes; c, caudal articular facet; d, intervertebral foramina; e, transverse process proper; f, processus costarius; g, wing of the atlas; h, dorsal arch of the atlas; i, atlantal foramen.

The caudal articular processes are situated at the junction of the radices and laminÆ; their facets (Fig. 10, c) look ventrocaudolaterad. The cranial articular processes also become more prominent than is the rule in the thoracic vertebrÆ; they are borne at the junction of radix and lamina and have their facets (Fig. 11, b) directed dorsomediad. The cranial and caudal articular processes of each side are joined by a prominent ridge which is most pronounced in the third, fourth, and fifth vertebrÆ.

The characteristic feature of the cervical vertebrÆ is their transverse process, so called. In each of them it arises by two roots, one from the centrum and one from the arch. These two roots, which are broad and thin, converge and unite so as to enclose a canal or foramen, the foramen transversarium (Fig. 11, g), for the vertebral artery. Laterad of the foramen the two parts of the process are, in the third cervical, almost completely united, the dorsal part being, however, distinguishable as a tubercle at the caudolateral angle of the thin plate formed by the process as a whole. This dorsal component is the transverse process proper (Figs. 10 and 11, e), while the ventral portion represents a rib, and is hence known as the processus costarius (f). The expanded plate formed by the union of these two processes is directed nearly ventrad and somewhat craniad in the third, fourth, and fifth vertebrÆ. The two components of the process gradually separate as we pass caudad; in the fourth and fifth vertebrÆ the part which represents the transverse process proper forms a very prominent tubercle at the caudolateral angle of the plate formed by the processus costarius. In the sixth (Fig. 11) the two parts are almost completely separated; the dorsal part forms (e) a slender knobbed process, while the processus costarius is divided into two portions (f and f') by a broad lateral notch. In the seventh the ventral part (processus costarius) is usually quite lacking, though sometimes represented by a slender spicule of bone. In the former case the foramen transversarium is of course likewise lacking.

Fig. 11.—Sixth Cervical Vertebra, Cranial End.

Fig. 12.—Atlas, Ventral View.

Fig. 11.—a, spinous process; b, cranial articular facet; c, lamina; d, radix or pedicle; e, transverse process proper; f, f', processus costarius; g, foramen transversarium; h, centrum; i, vertebral canal.

Fig. 12.—a, ventral arch; b, tuberculum anterius; c, lateral masses; d, transverse processes; e, cranial articular facets; f, groove connecting the foramen transversarium with the atlantal foramen; g, atlantal foramen; h, caudal articular facets.

The Atlas (Fig. 10, 1; Fig. 12).—The first cervical vertebra or atlas has somewhat the form of a seal ring. The centrum is absent; it has united with the second vertebra to form the odontoid process or dens. Its place is taken in the atlas by a narrow flat arch of bone, narrower at the ends than in the middle, the ventral arch (Fig. 12, a) of the atlas. This connects the lateral, thicker portions of the ring ventrally and bears on its caudal margin a blunt tubercle (tuberculum anterius, Fig. 12, b). Laterally the ring is thickened, forming thus the lateral masses (c) which are continued into the broad thin transverse processes (Fig. 10, g; Fig. 12, d). Each lateral mass bears at its cranial end on its medial surface a concave, pear-shaped facet, cranial (or superior) articular facet, (Fig. 12, e) for articulation with the condyles of the skull. These facets look craniomediad. Dorsad of each is a foramen, the atlantal foramen (Fig. 10, i; Fig. 12, g), which pierces the dorsal arch at its junction with the lateral mass. Caudal to the facet, on the medial face of each lateral mass, within the vertebral canal, is a tubercle. To the two tubercles are attached the transverse ligament (Fig. 14, b) which holds in place the odontoid process (dens) of the axis.

That part of the lateral mass which bears the articular facet projects craniad of the dorsal arch and is separated by a deep triangular notch from the transverse process. Along the bottom of this notch runs a groove (Fig. 12, f), convex craniad, which connects the cranial end of the foramen transversarium and the atlantal foramen. The vertebral artery passes along it. The foramen transversarium is circular. It is bounded laterally by the lateral masses, and dorsally by the dorsal arch.

The dorsal arch (Fig. 10, h) is two to three times as broad as the ventral, has a thick convex cranial border with a median notch, and a thin concave caudal border.

Fig. 13.—Axis or Epistropheus, Side View.

a, odontoid process or dens; b, cranial articular facets; c, spinous process; d, caudal articular facet; e, transverse process; f, foramen transversarium.

The caudal articular facets (Fig. 12, h) are borne by the caudal ends of the lateral masses. They are slightly concave, triangular, and look caudomediad, so that their dorsal borders form with the caudal border of the dorsal arch nearly a semicircle. The transverse processes are flat and directed laterad. The attached margin of each is about two-thirds the length of the thinner free margin. The somewhat thicker caudal end of the transverse process projects further caudad than any other part of the vertebra and is separated by a slight notch from the caudal articular facet. From the bottom of this notch the foramen transversarium extends craniad and opens at the middle of the ventral face of the transverse process.

Epistropheus or Axis (Fig. 10, 2; Fig. 13).—The second cervical vertebra (epistropheus or axis) is not so wide as the atlas but is much longer. Craniad the centrum is continued into a slender conical, toothlike projection, the dens or odontoid process (Fig. 13, a) which represents the centrum of the atlas. The dens is smooth below for articulation with the ventral arch of the atlas. It is rougher above. Laterad of the dens the centrum bears a pair of large cranial articular facets (b) which look craniolaterad. These have each the form of a right-angled triangle with rounded angles, one side of the triangle being nearly horizontal. Each is separated from the articular face of the dens by a roughened groove. The spinous process (c) runs the length of the vertebral arch. It extends craniad of the vertebral arch nearly as far as the dens, as a flat rounded projection. Caudad of the vertebral arch it projects for a short distance as a stout triangular spine. The caudal articular facets (d) are borne on thickenings of the caudolateral portions of the arch; they face almost directly ventrad. The transverse process (e) is slender and triangular and directed nearly caudad. Its apex reaches no farther than the caudal or articular face of the centrum. Its base is traversed by the foramen transversarium (f).

Differential Characters of the Cervical VertebrÆ.—It is possible to identify each of the cervical vertebrÆ:

The first by the absence of the centrum.

The second by the dens or odontoid process.

The third by the small spinous process and slightly marked tubercle of the transverse process, and by a median tubercle on the cranial border of the vertebral arch.

The fourth by the spinous process directed dorsad, and the short thick tubercle of the transverse process not trifid.

The fifth by the spinous process directed craniad, and the more slender spine-like tubercle of the transverse process not trifid.

The sixth by the trifid transverse process.

The seventh by the long spinous process and the slender simple transverse process, and by the usual absence of the foramen transversarium.

LIGAMENTS OF THE VERTEBRAL COLUMN.

Fibro-cartilagines intervertebrales.—The separate vertebrÆ (except the atlas and axis) are united by the disk-shaped intervertebral fibro-cartilages, which are situated between the centra of the vertebrÆ. Each consists of a central pulpy portion and a fibrous outer portion, covered by strong intercrossing tendinous fibers which unite with the periosteum of the vertebrÆ.

Ligamentum longitudinale anterius.—On the ventral face of the centra of the vertebrÆ, from the atlas to the sacrum, lies a longitudinal ligament, the anterior longitudinal ligament. It is very small, almost rudimentary, in the cervical region: large and strong in the thoracic and lumbar regions.

Ligamentum longitudinale posterius (Fig. 14, a).—A corresponding ligament (posterior longitudinal ligament) lies on the dorsal surface of the centra (therefore within the vertebral canal). It is enlarged between each pair of vertebrÆ and closely united to the intervertebral fibro-cartilages.

Ligamentum supraspinale.—Between the tips of the spinous processes of the thoracic and lumbar vertebrÆ extend ligamentous fibers. They are not united to form a distinct band, and can hardly be distinguished from the numerous tendinous fibers of the supraspinous muscles. Together they represent the supraspinous ligament. From the tip of the spinous process of the first thoracic vertebra to the caudal end of the spine of the axis extends a slender strand representing the ligamentum nuchÆ or cervical supraspinous ligament. It is imbedded in the superficial muscles of this region, some of which take origin from it.

Ligamentous fibers are also present between the spinous processes of the vertebrÆ (ligamenta interspinalia): between the transverse processes (ligamenta intertransversaria), and between the vertebral arches (ligamenta flava).

CapsulÆ articulares.—The joints between the articular processes are furnished with articular capsules attached about the edges of the articular surfaces. These are larger and looser in the cervical region.

Atlanto-occipital Articulation.—The joint between the atlas and the occipital condyles has a single articular capsule, which is attached about the borders of the articular surfaces of the two bones. This capsule is of course widest laterally, forming indeed two partially separated sacs, which are, however, continuous by a narrow portion across the ventral middle line. This capsule communicates with that which covers the articular surface of the dens, and through this with the capsule between the atlas and axis. That portion of the capsule which covers the space between the ventral arch of the atlas and the occipital bone represents the anterior atlanto-occipital membrane; it is strengthened by a slender median ligamentous strand. The posterior atlanto-occipital membrane covers in the same way the space between the dorsal arch of the atlas and the dorsal edge of the foramen magnum. In it a number of different sets of fibers, with regard to direction and to degree of development, may be distinguished; these have sometimes been considered separate ligaments.

The lateral ligaments of the atlas begin at the lateral angle of the cranial margin of the atlas, at about the junction of its dorsal and ventral arches, and pass cranioventrad to the jugular processes.

Articulation between the Axis and Atlas.—The articular capsule is large and loose, being attached to dorsal and ventral borders of the atlas, about the articular surfaces of the axis, and to the cranial projection of the spine of the atlas. It also passes craniad along the ventral side of the dens and communicates here with the capsule of the atlanto-occipital articulation. In the dorsal part of the capsule a short strong ligamentous strand is developed, connecting the caudal border of the dorsal arch of the atlas with the tip of the cranial projection of the spinous process of the axis.

Fig. 14.—Ligaments of the Odontoid Process or Dens.

First three cervical vertebrÆ and base of the skull, with dorsal surface removed. a, ligamentum longitudinale posterius; b, transverse ligament of the atlas; c, ligamenta alaria; d, odontoid process; e, occipital condyles; 1, 2, 3, the first three cervical vertebrÆ; 4, basal portion of the occipital bone.

The dens or odontoid process is held in place by the transverse ligament (Fig. 14, b) of the atlas, which passes across the process as it lies within the vertebral canal of the atlas. The transverse ligament is attached at its two ends to the medial surface of the sides of the atlas at about the region where the dorsal and ventral arches of the atlas unite.

From the cranial end of the odontoid process the two ligamenta alaria (Fig. 14, c) diverge craniolaterad to the rough ventromedial angle of the condyles of the occipital bone.

II. RIBS. COSTÆ (Figs. 1 and 15.)

The cat has thirteen pairs of ribs. One of the fifth pair (Fig. 15) may be taken as typical. It is a curved flattened rod of bone attached at its dorsal end to the vertebral column, and at its ventral end to a cartilage (costal cartilage, Fig. 15, f) which serves to unite it to the sternum.

The most convex portion of the bone is known as the angle (e). Each rib presents a convex lateral and a concave medial surface, a cranial and a caudal border. The borders are broad dorsad and narrow ventrad, while the surfaces are narrow dorsad and broad ventrad. The rib has thus the appearance of having been twisted.

The rib ends dorsad in a globular head or capitulum (a), by which it articulates with the costal demifacets of two contiguous thoracic vertebrÆ. Between the capitulum and angle on the lateral surface is an elevated area, the tubercle, marked by the smooth tubercular facet (c) for articulation with the transverse process of a vertebra. The constricted portion between the head and tubercle is known as the neck (collum) (d). The angle is marked by a projecting process (e) (angular process) on its lateral border, for attachment of a ligament.

Fig. 15.—Fifth Rib of Left Side, Cranial View.

a, head; b, tubercle; c, tubercular facet; d, neck; e, angle, with angular process; f, cartilage.

The ribs increase in length to the ninth (the ninth and tenth are of the same length) and then decrease to the last. They decrease in breadth behind the fifth. The first is nearly in a dorsoventral plane, while the others have their dorsal ends inclined slightly craniad.

Fig. 16.—Sternum, Ventral View.

a, manubrium; b, the separate pieces forming the body; c, bony part of the xiphoid process (the expanded cartilaginous portion not being shown); d, facet for attachment of first rib.

The tubercles become less prominent as we pass caudad and are absent on the last two or three ribs, which do not articulate with the transverse process.

The first nine ribs (true ribs or costÆ verÆ) are attached separately to the sternum by their costal cartilages. The last four (false ribs or costÆ spuriÆ) are not attached separately to the sternum. The costal cartilages of the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth are united to one another at their sternal ends. They may be united also to the ninth costal cartilage or to the sternum by a common cartilage of insertion, or they may be quite free from the sternum. The thirteenth costal cartilages are free (floating ribs).

Ligaments of the Ribs.—The articular surfaces between the head of the rib and the centra, and between the tubercle and the transverse process of the vertebra, have each an articular capsule. There are also a number of small ligamentous bands from the tuberosity and the neck of the rib to the transverse process of the vertebra.

III. STERNUM. (Fig. 16.)

The sternum consists of three portions, a cranial piece or manubrium (a), a caudal piece or xiphoid process (c), and a middle portion or body (corpus), which is divided into a number of segments (b).

To the sternum are united the ventral ends of the first nine ribs. It thus forms the median ventral boundary of the thorax. Since the thorax decreases in dorsoventral measurement craniad, the long axis of the sternum is inclined from its caudal end dorsocraniad, and if continued would strike the vertebral column in the region of the first cervical vertebra.

The manubrium (a) makes up about one-fifth the whole length of the sternum and projects craniad of the first rib. It has the form of a dagger and presents a dorsal surface and two lateral surfaces, the latter uniting ventrad to form a sharp angle. In the middle of the lateral surface near the dorsal margin is an oval articular surface (d) borne on a triangular projection. It looks caudodorsad and is for the first costal cartilage.

The caudal end articulates with the body by a synchondrosis and presents a slightly marked oval facet on each side for the second costal cartilage.

The body consists of six cylindrical pieces (b) enlarged at their ends and movably united by synchondroses. They increase in breadth from the first, and decrease slightly in length and thickness. At the caudal end of each near its ventral border there is a pair of facets looking caudolaterad. They are for the costal cartilages.

The xiphoid process (c) is a broad thin plate of cartilage at its caudal end; bony and cylindrical at its cranial end. It is attached by its base to the last segment of the body by a considerable cartilaginous interval, while the opposite end is free and directed caudoventrad.

The cartilage of the ninth rib is attached to the lateral face of the cartilage between the xiphoid and the body, and just caudad of this the common cartilage of insertion of the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth costal cartilages is attached, if present.

IV. THE SKULL.

The bones of the head consist of the skull proper together with a number of separate bones forming part of the visceral skeleton; these are the lower jaw, the hyoid, and the ear-bones.

The skull proper is considered as divided into cranial and facial portions. The former includes all the bones which take part in bounding the cranial cavity or cavity of the brain; the latter includes the bones which support the face.

The cranial portion of the skull includes all that part enclosing the large cavity which contains the brain. For convenience this portion may be considered as made up of three segments, each of which forms a ring surrounding a part of the cranial cavity. The first or caudal segment or ring consists of the occipital bone (with the interparietal) surrounding the foramen magnum. The second segment consists of the sphenoid ventrad, the parietals laterad and dorsad. Between the first and second segments are intercalated laterally the temporal bones containing the auditory organ. The third segment or ring consists of the presphenoid ventrad, of the frontals laterad and dorsad. The cranial opening of this ring is closed by the lamina cribrosa of the ethmoid.

The cranial portion of the skull therefore contains eleven separate bones: one occipital, one interparietal, two temporals, one sphenoid, two parietals, one presphenoid, two frontals, and one ethmoid.

The facial portion of the skull is much smaller than the cranial, and lies craniad of the latter; it encloses the nasal cavity. It contains the following thirteen bones: two palatines, one vomer, two maxillaries, two lachrymals, two premaxillaries, two nasals, two malar or zygomatic bones. The two halves of the mandible or lower jaw are frequently included in the facial portion of the skull, making in all fifteen separate bones in this part of the skull.

In the following the bones of the skull are first described separately, then an account is given of the skull as a whole.

Occipital Bone. Os occipitale

(Figs. 17 and 18).—The occipital bone forms the most caudal portion of the cranium, entering into the formation of its caudal wall and of its base. It connects the cranium with the vertebral column and surrounds a large opening, the foramen magnum (d), by means of which the cranial cavity communicates with the vertebral canal.

Fig. 17.—Occipital Bone, Caudal or Outer Surface.

Fig. 18.—Occipital Bone, Inner Surface.

a, basilar portion; b, lateral portions; c, squamous portion; d, foramen magnum; e, occipital condyles; f, jugular processes; g, jugular notch; h, lambdoidal ridge; i, external occipital crest; j, external occipital protuberance.

In young kittens four portions may be distinguished in this bone. These are, a basal portion (the basioccipital bone), two lateral portions (the exoccipital bones), and a dorsal portion (the supraoccipital bone). These four bones remain separate through life in many lower vertebrates. In the adult cat they are completely united into a single bone, but it is convenient to describe this bone as made up of four parts: a basal portion (a) (pars basilare), corresponding to the basioccipital, two lateral portions (b) (partes laterales), corresponding to the exoccipitals, and a squamous portion (c) (squama occipitalis) corresponding to the supraoccipital.

The basilar portion (a) as seen from the dorsal or ventral surface is oblong and flattened. It is broadest at the junction of its middle and last thirds, and tapers toward both ends. It presents a cranial end and a caudal end, a dorsal, a ventral, and two lateral surfaces. Its caudal end, which helps to form the ventral boundary of the foramen magnum, is concave from side to side. The cranial end is transversely elongate, about five times as broad as high, pointed laterally and roughened for attachment to the caudal end of the body of the sphenoid, which has a corresponding form. The joint is a synchondrosis.

The dorsal surface is concave from side to side, forming a longitudinal groove in which rest the pons and medulla. The concavity is more pronounced caudad, where the bone is thinner at its middle.

The ventral surface is marked by three parallel longitudinal ridges. One of them is median and expands caudad into a smooth triangular elevated area which extends to the foramen magnum. The other two ridges run near the lateral edges of the bone. Between them and the median ridge the surface is smooth and is depressed caudad. Laterad of each lateral ridge is a rough triangular surface overlaid in the natural state by the medial edge of the tympanic bulla.

The lateral surfaces are smooth and sharp and abut against the petrous portion of the temporal bone. They pass into the lateral portions of the occipital caudad.

The lateral portions (b) of the occipital arise from the caudal margin of the basilar portion in the transverse plane; a short distance laterad of the line of junction they turn dorsad at an angle of nearly ninety degrees. They form the lateral boundaries of the foramen magnum and pass dorsally into the squamous portion.

The external surface of each presents an elongated elevated spirally curved surface, the occipital condyle (c), for articulation with the atlas. A small part of each condyle is formed from the basal portion. The two condyles are separated from one another ventrally by a narrow notch, and each extends (laterad) along the border of the foramen magnum to a point slightly dorsad of the transverse diameter of the latter.

Laterad of each condyle the bone is elevated into a blunt triangular projection, the jugular process (f), which covers the caudal end of the tympanic bulla. Between the jugular process and the condyle is a deep depression.

The internal surface (Fig. 18) is concave dorsoventrally, following the outline of the foramen magnum. It is convex from side to side. It is smooth except at its outer margin, which is rough for articulation with the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. The cranial face of the jugular process (f) shows a rough concavity for the reception of the bulla tympani. Mediad of the jugular process is a notch (jugular notch) (g) which when the bones are articulated forms part of the boundary of the jugular foramen. Mediad of this notch is a foramen which forms one end of the hypoglossal canal. It passes dorsocaudad into the cranial cavity and transmits the hypoglossal nerve. Dorsad of the hypoglossal canal is the cranial opening of the condyloid canal, which passes caudad and opens just craniad of the dorsal end of the condyle. It transmits a vein. The outer border of this portion is rough for articulation with the petrous and mastoid portions of the temporal.

The squamous portion (c) has the form of a sector of a circle whose arc is a little more than ninety degrees. The central angle of the sector is truncated and bounds the foramen magnum dorsally. The arc of the sector forms the dorsal margin of the bone, while along the radii it passes into the lateral portions. Its dorsal portion is thick and porous; its ventral portion near the foramen magnum is thin and compact.

The external surface (Fig. 17) is marked by a prominent ridge, the lambdoidal ridge (h), parallel with the dorsal border and near to it. The narrow portion of the outer surface that lies dorsad of the ridge forms an angle of about ninety degrees with the remainder of the surface.

A median crest (i) extends ventrad from the middle of the lambdoidal ridge toward the foramen magnum; this is the external occipital crest. At its junction with the lambdoidal ridge it is elevated into a tubercle, the external occipital protuberance (j).

The inner surface (Fig. 18) presents depressions for the convolutions of the cerebellum.

The dorsal border is thick and rough for articulation with the parietals and interparietal. The ventral border abuts on the foramen magnum and is thin and smooth.

Interparietal Bone. Os interparietale

(Fig. 19).—This is a small triangular bone lying between the parietals, with its apex directed craniad, and its base in contact with the squamous portion of the occipital.

Its dorsal surface is arrow-shaped and has its posterior border notched. It is marked by a median crest (part of the sagittal crest) which is continued craniad from the middle of the lambdoidal crest.

The ventral surface is irregularly triangular, smooth, and concave. The three borders are rough for articulation with the parietals and occipital.

Fig. 19.—Interparietal Bone, Outer Surface.

Fig. 19, showing the sagittal crest running craniocaudad across its middle.

Fig. 20.—a, body; b, wings; c, pterygoid process; d, tuberculum sellÆ; e, dorsum sellÆ; f, sella turcica; g, notch which aids in forming the foramen lacerum; h, longitudinal groove of alisphenoid; i, notch which aids in forming the orbital fissure; j, foramen rotundum; k, foramen ovale.

Sphenoid Bone. Os sphenoidale

(Fig. 20).—The sphenoid bone of man is represented in the cat by two entirely distinct bones,—one cranial, the other caudal. The cranial portion may be designated as the presphenoid (Fig. 21); the caudal part will be described as the sphenoid (proper) (Fig. 20).

The sphenoid bone in the kitten is in three parts: a central portion, the basisphenoid, and two lateral portions, the alisphenoids. In many lower vertebrates these three bones are permanently distinct, but in the adult cat they are united to form the sphenoid bone. To these there is added a fourth element, separate in many vertebrates as the pterygoid bone. The sphenoid may thus be described as composed of a central portion, the body (a) (basisphenoid), and of two thin expanded wings (b) (alisphenoids, alÆ magnÆ of the human sphenoid); each of which has arising from it a thin curved process, the pterygoid process (c), directed craniad and largely made up of the pterygoid bone.

The body of the sphenoid (a) lies in the middle line of the base of the skull. It is wedge-shaped, with the converging sides of the wedge directed laterad and its apex pointed craniad.

It has six surfaces, of which the dorsal and a part of the laterals look into the cranial cavity. The cranial end articulates with the body of the presphenoid, and the caudal with the body of the occipital.

The dorsal surface is triangular, with one apex of the triangle truncated, elevated, and directed craniad. This elevation is the tuberculum sellÆ (d). Just caudad of the middle the surface presents a rectangular elevation with rounded angles, the dorsum sellÆ (e). The cranial end of the dorsum sellÆ presents at each dorsolateral angle a very small smooth tubercle which represents one of the posterior clinoid processes of man. Between this elevation and the elevated cranial end of this surface there is a deep excavation, the sella turcica (f), in which in the natural state is lodged the hypophysis. Near the cranial end of the sella is a small foramen, probably nutrient. At the caudal end of the body a slight notch (g) separates it from the wing: this notch forms a part of the foramen lacerum. Against this notch fits the apex of the petrous bone, and from it a groove (carotid groove) is continued mediocraniad to the sella turcica.

The ventral surface (Fig. 41, 3) is triangular, smooth, and nearly flat; it is marked by a median ridge which is the continuation craniad of the ridge on the ventral face of the basilar portion of the occipital.

Its caudal angles are separated from the rest of the bone by sharp triangular elevations, laterad of which are rough triangular areas, overlaid when the bones are articulated by a triangular spine from the tympanic bulla.

Its lateral surfaces are mostly covered by the wings. They appear at the sides of the elevated cranial end of the dorsal surface as triangular areas.

The caudal end is concave, rough, and has the form of the cranial end of the basilar part of the occipital.

The cranial end is nearly square and rough for articulation with the body of the presphenoid.

The Wing (alisphenoid; ala magna of the human sphenoid) (Fig. 20, b).—This is a thin quadrilateral plate of bone attached by its medial border to nearly the whole of the lateral surface of the body. Its middle portion lies nearly in the same plane as the body, but its ends are curved dorsad so that its internal surface is concave and its external surface is convex. The curvature is most pronounced near the long lateral border, so that this border forms nearly a semicircle.

The internal surface supports the occipital lobe of the cerebrum. It is marked by a rounded groove (h) which is parallel with the lateral surface of the body. The dorsal margin of the groove projects mediad in the form of a sharp ridge which is broadest caudad, where it often reaches nearly to the posterior clinoid process. The groove passes craniad into three foramina. The first (cranial) of these, the orbital fissure (i), is large and lies between the wing, the body, and the pterygoid process. It is incomplete, but is completed by the presphenoid. The second foramen is small and rounded; it is the foramen rotundum (j). The third, foramen ovale (k), is larger and oval and penetrates the wing through about the middle of its longitudinal axis. Another minute foramen penetrates the sphenoid between the wing and the body of the bone, just laterad of the tuberculum sellÆ. This foramen is continuous craniad with a groove on the dorsal surface of the pterygoid process; the groove and foramen constitute the pterygoid canal. It transmits a nerve.

The external surface shows the orbital fissure, the foramen rotundum and the foramen ovale, bounded ventrally by a sharp ridge, which is continued onto the pterygoid process. Between this ridge and the body the surface is longitudinally grooved for the tuba auditiva or Eustachian tube.

The semicircular margin of the bone articulates with the squamous portion of the temporal. At the junction of its caudal and middle third there is sometimes a toothlike projection which underlies the root of the zygoma.

The whole of the cranial margin, except the lateral end, articulates with the wing of the presphenoid. At this end the angle formed by the junction of lateral and cranial borders is produced into a flat process, which passes dorsocaudad between the squamous portion of the temporal and the frontal, and articulates by the roughened internal surface of its free end with a similar process from the parietal.

The caudal margin laterad of the groove is bevelled and roughened at the expense of the dorsal surface and is overlaid by the ventral end of the tentorium. Mediad of the groove it projects caudad as a slender point, the lingula of the sphenoid. This is received into a narrow cleft between the apex of the petrous bone and the bulla tympani.

The pterygoid process (c) is a nearly square, thin plate of bone. The medial surface is smooth and concave, the lateral face is convex and marked by two parallel ridges. The medial one of these is continued craniad from the bony septum which separates the orbital fissure from the foramen rotundum, and the lateral one from the septum which separates the foramen rotundum from the foramen ovale. A sharp triangular spine projects laterad from near the caudal end of the lateral ridge.

The two ridges and that part of the lateral surface of the bone included between them form a part of the sphenoid bone known as the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone, in those cases where the pterygoid is a separate bone.

The remainder of the process is equivalent to the pterygoid bone of other vertebrates.

Between the caudal margin of this bone and the lateral of the two ridges, i.e., between the pterygoid bone and the pterygoid process of the sphenoid, is a long deep fossa, the internal pterygoid fossa (Fig. 40, s). The laterocaudal margin of the pterygoid process projects caudad, as a curved triangular spine, the hamulus or hamular process (Fig. 40, t; Fig. 43, i).

The Presphenoid Bone. Os presphenoidale

(Fig. 21).—In a young cat this bone is in three pieces, a basal portion (presphenoid) and two wings (orbitosphenoid bones). These bones remain distinct throughout life in many lower vertebrates, but in the adult cat they fuse to form a single bone. We may nevertheless conveniently describe this bone as made up of a body (a) (the basisphenoid), and two wings (b), the orbitosphenoids (the alÆ parvÆ of the human sphenoid).

The body (a) lies in the base of the skull in the median line, craniad of the basisphenoid. It has the form of a rectangular prism about twice as long as broad. It is hollow, and the cavity is divided by a median longitudinal partition into two cavities (sphenoidal sinuses, Fig. 43, l). The sphenoidal sinuses are continued craniad into the cavities of the ethmoid. The body has six surfaces:

The dorsal or internal surface (Fig. 42, n) looks into the cranial cavity and is continuous with the dorsal surface of the wings. The caudal end of the body is depressed, and when united to the basisphenoid aids in forming the cranial wall of the sella turcica. At each caudolateral angle is a short spine, the anterior clinoid process. At about one-third the length of the bone from the caudal end is a transverse groove (chiasmatic groove, Fig. 42, m) for the optic chiasma. Its ends lead into two round foramina (the optic foramina, Fig. 42, l; Fig. 21, c) which pass craniolaterad between the body and the wings of the presphenoid and transmit the optic nerve and the ophthalmic artery.

The ventral surface (Fig. 21) is hour-glass-shaped and marked by a smooth median ridge, continuous with the ridge on the basisphenoid and overlaid at its cranial end by the vomer. The caudal end presents a rough triangular area on each side, for articulation with the pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone, while the cranial end has similar areas overlaid by the nasal portion of the palatine bones.

The lateral surface looks towards the orbitotemporal fossa. It is notched near the caudal end by the ventral border of the optic foramen (c). Caudad of this foramen the surface presents an oblique groove which forms in the natural condition the medial boundary of the orbital fissure.

Craniad of the optic foramen the surface is smooth and marked near its ventral border by a longitudinal ridge which forms part of the dorsal boundary of a fossa, the external pterygoid fossa (Fig. 40, p).

The caudal end presents ventrally a quadrangular rough surface for articulation with the body of the sphenoid. The cranial end presents the two sphenoidal sinuses separated by a median partition.

The median partition articulates by its free border with the lamina perpendicularis of the ethmoid. At its ventral end is the abruptly truncate end of the median ridge of the ventral surface, which is continuous with the ventral cartilaginous portion of the lamina perpendicularis. The lateral walls of the sphenoidal sinuses are continued craniad of the dorsal and ventral walls and of the median partition, and articulate ventrally with the nasal portion of the palatine bones, and dorsally with the orbital plate of the frontal. Between them is received the caudal ends of the labyrinths of the ethmoid in the middle, while between their dorsal edges is received the caudal end of the cribriform plate, and between their ventral edges the expanded end of the vomer.

The wings (b) arise each from nearly the whole of the dorsolateral angle of the body. They form prominent nearly horizontal triangular projections over the optic foramina.

The dorsal and ventral surfaces are smooth and continuous respectively with the dorsal and lateral surfaces of the body. The dorsal surface looks into the cranial cavity, while the ventral looks into the orbitotemporal fossa.

Craniad of the apex of the wing its border articulates with the ventral edge of the orbital portion of the frontal bone. Caudad of the apex the border articulates with the cranial border of the wing of the sphenoid.

Temporal Bone. Os temporale

(Figs. 22 and 23).—This forms a part of the lateral wall of the cranium, filling the gap between the occipital and the sphenoidal segments. It is made up of three portions which are distinct in kittens but somewhat firmly united in adult cats. In lower vertebrates these portions are distinct bones called the Squamous, the Petrous, and the Tympanic bones. In the cat they may be described as the squamous (a), petrous (b), and tympanic (c) portions of the temporal bone.

The squamous portion (a) (squama temporalis) is thin and oval or has the form of an equilateral triangle with rounded angles, with a curved process, the zygomatic process (d), arising from its ventral border. Its outer surface (Fig. 22) is convex and smooth and gives origin to part of the temporal muscle. Its inner surface (Fig. 23) is concave and smooth except near the margins, where it is bevelled and rough. The roughened border is broader dorsad and caudad. The ventral margin of the bone is turned mediad at its cranial end so that the lateral face of the inverted portion looks ventrad. By this portion of its lateral face the squamous rests upon the tympanic bulla, and its edge articulates with the tentorium and the wing of the sphenoid. The remaining (caudal) portion of the ventral border overlies the mastoid portion (e) of the petrous. By the remainder of its border the bone articulates with the parietal dorsad and with the wing of the sphenoid craniad. The roughened portion of its inner surface overlies the margins of both these bones.

The zygomatic process (d) is formed by the confluence of two roots. One of these starts from the ventral end of the lambdoidal ridge and passes along the ventral margin of the squama dorsad of the external auditory meatus. The other arises abruptly from the cranioventral angle of the bone. The process thus formed is at first broad and passes horizontally laterad and slightly craniad. It soon grows more slender and turns gradually craniad, while at the same time it twists so that the surface which is dorsal at the base becomes medial at the tip; the posterior root which is continuous with the caudal border at the base is continuous with the dorsal border at the apex. On the ventral surface of the base is a transversely elongated concave articular surface, the mandibular fossa (f), for the condyloid process of the lower jaw. Caudad of this is a sharp transverse ridge, the postmandibular or postglenoid process (g), and craniad of the lateral end of the fossa a slight tubercle, the tuberculum articulare (h). Near its apex the zygomatic process is more slender and its ventral border is bevelled for articulation with the malar or zygomatic bone.

The tympanic (Figs. 22 and 23, c; Fig. 24) is expanded into a large hollow olive-shaped bone which is known as the auditory bulla and encloses the tympanic cavity. Its substance is very compact. Unlike the tympanic of most other mammals it is developed from two bones, known as the ectotympanic (Fig. 22, c') and entotympanic (c). These are strongly marked in young kittens, and can usually be easily distinguished in adult cats. The entotympanic (Figs. 22 and 23, c) forms the larger part of the bulla, constituting its ventral and medial surfaces; it is thin, smooth, and transparent. The ectotympanic (Fig. 22, c') surrounds the external auditory meatus: it is thicker and more opaque than the entotympanic. The bulla lies ventrad of the squamous, and in an external view conceals a large part of the petrous.

On its lateral surface it presents near the dorsal border an irregular oval opening, that of the external auditory meatus (Fig. 22, i), which leads into the tympanic cavity. Caudad of the external auditory meatus is a nearly dorsoventral groove, which, when the bone is articulated, forms a part of the boundary of the stylomastoid foramen (Fig. 22, j); just ventrad of this groove is a pit (k) which lodges the tip of the tympanohyal bone.

Craniad the bone is produced into a short spine, the styliform process (q), which lies in a horizontal groove in the ventral surface of the basisphenoid. Laterad of this spine is a groove for the tuba auditiva or Eustachian tube.

The medial surface (Fig. 24) presents in the middle near its ventral margin a short triangular spine which lies in the natural state against the ventral surface of the basilar portion of the occipital.

Caudad of this spine the surface is marked by two or three vertical parallel grooves (Fig. 23, m). They indicate the portion of the bone which bounds the jugular foramen, and are possibly impressions of the ninth, tenth, and eleventh nerves.

The dorsal two-thirds of the medial surface is lacking in the disarticulated bulla (Fig. 24), so that the cavity of the bone is exposed. This opening is in the natural state closed by the petrous bone. The caudal end is rough where it is overlaid by the jugular process.

On the inner surface of the tympanic bulla is seen the thickened margin of the inner end of the auditory meatus (Fig. 24, a). To it is attached the membrana tympana. In the median dorsal line this margin is notched for the reception of the incus and head of the malleus. From the lateral wall of the cavity at the line of junction of the ectotympanic and entotympanic a thin bony partition (b) rises. It runs almost directly mediad; is concave dorsally and divides the tympanic cavity into two chambers.

The Petrous Portion (Fig. 23, b, and Fig. 25).—This consists of two parts, a very dense part (the petrous portion proper, Fig. 25), which has the form of a triangular pyramid and encloses the auditory labyrinth, and a less dense part, the mastoid portion (Figs. 22 and 23, e), which is flattened and triangular and is attached by its base to the base of the pyramid.

The petrous portion may be described as having a base and three sides, lateral, dorsal, and medial. It completes the medial wall of the tympanic bulla, so that it is not possible to see it from the exterior of a skull except through the auditory meatus (Fig. 22, i). When the bones of the skull are articulated its dorsal surface is covered by the tentorium and alisphenoid. Its lateral face looks into the tympanic cavity, while the medial face looks into the cranial cavity.

Its lateral face (Fig. 25) (medial wall of the tympanic cavity) presents just ventrad of the middle of its base a large circular foramen, the fenestra cochleÆ (a) (or fenestra rotunda), which looks caudolaterad; it leads into the cochlea. The fenestra cochleÆ lies at the summit of a nipple-like elevation, the promontory (b), which is continued toward the apex of the bone as a gradually diminishing semicylindrical ridge, due to the presence within it of the bony cochlea. Dorsad of the fenestra cochleÆ is the much smaller fenestra vestibuli (c) (or ovalis) which leads into the vestibule. It is occupied in the natural condition by the base of the stapes.

Dorsocraniad of the fenestra vestibuli is a large fossa (d) which contains the tensor tympani muscle. Dorsocaudad of this, partly bounded by the squamous portion of the temporal, is another large fossa (e), the cranial end of which is occupied by the incus, while its caudal end is occupied by the head of the malleus.

Nearly caudad of this fossa and separated from it by an oblique bony septum is a third fossa (f) which is narrow and curved. It is continuous with a notch in the mastoid portion of the bone. When the tympanic is articulated the notch is converted into a foramen (stylomastoid foramen, Fig. 22, j) for the exit of the seventh nerve. The fossa gives passage to the seventh nerve and also lodges the stapedius muscle. A groove may be traced from the stylomastoid foramen to the caudal border of the fossa for the tensor tympani muscle, where it passes into a canal (g). The groove and canal are parts of the canalis facialis or facial canal (aqueductus Fallopii) for the passage of the seventh nerve through the petrous bone.

The medial surface (Fig. 23, b) of the petrous portion shows near its middle a fossa, the internal auditory meatus (n). This is divided by a partition of bone into a dorsal and ventral part. The dorsal portion is the beginning of the facial canal (aqueductus Fallopii) by which the seventh nerve passes through the petrous bone to emerge at the stylomastoid foramen. The ventral portion shows at its bottom several small foramina for the auditory nerve.

Dorsocaudad of the internal auditory meatus is a deep fossa (o) for a small lobe, the so-called appendicular lobe, of the cerebellum. This may be called the appendicular fossa.

The dorsal surface is triangular and presents near its apex a foramen—the hiatus facialis (p), the opening of a canal which joins the canalis facialis and transmits the superficial petrosal branch of the nerve of the pterygoid canal (Vidian nerve). That part of the dorsal surface which lies caudad of the hiatus facialis is known as the tegmen tympani.

The base of the petrous is attached to the mastoid portion (Fig. 23, e).

(For an account of the structures within the petrous bone and the tympanic cavity, see the description of the internal and middle ear.)

The mastoid portion (Figs. 22 and 23, c) is attached by its base to the pyramidal petrous portion, with which it forms an angle of about 120 degrees. It appears in the lateral wall of the skull between the parietal bone and the occipital (Fig. 40, d). The lambdoidal ridge is continued on its outer surface to the caudal border of the external auditory meatus. Caudad of the stylomastoid foramen it forms a slight nipple-like eminence, the mastoid process (Fig. 22, l). Its inner face looks into the cranial cavity.

Parietal Bone. Os parietale

(Figs. 39, 40, and 43, 3).—The parietal bones form the larger part of the lateral and dorsal boundary of the cranial cavity. Each is a thin rectangular bone, compact and curved and with a deeply notched shelf of bone, the tentorium (Fig. 42, e, and Fig. 43, f), projecting inward from near the caudal margin.

The outer surface is smooth and convex. The highest part of the convexity, a little caudad of the middle of the bone, is known as the parietal tubercle or eminence (Fig. 39, d); it marks the point of beginning ossification. An obscure curved ridge (Fig. 39, e), running from the caudodorsal angle or a point craniad of it craniolaterad, indicates the boundary of the origin of the temporal muscle. Near the ventral border the surface is roughened and is covered in the natural state by a part of the squamous portion of the temporal bone.

The inner surface (Fig. 43, 3 and 3') is smooth and marked by ridges and grooves for the convolutions of the cerebrum. Near the medial border is a ridge which, when the bone is articulated with that of the opposite side, forms a shallow groove for the superior sagittal sinus. Beginning near the middle of the ventral margin and passing dorsad is a groove for the middle meningeal artery. The tentorium (Fig. 43, f) arises from the inner surface near its caudal margin and projects mediad as a thin curved or notched shelf of bone which separates the cerebellar fossa (Fig. 43, I) of the cranium from the cerebral fossa (Fig. 43, II). When the parietals are articulated there is left between the tentoria a large foramen by means of which the two fossÆ communicate. The foramen is bounded laterally and dorsally by the free margins of the tentoria, while the ventral end of each tentorium articulates with the alisphenoid, and its dorsal end with the opposite tentorium.

The medial border is straight and is united by suture to the opposite bone.

The cranial border is bevelled at the expense of the inner surface and articulates with the frontal. Just ventrad of the middle of the border projects a sharp spine which fits into a corresponding notch in the caudal border of the frontal.

The ventral border is concave, sharp, and bevelled at the expense of the outer surface, for articulation with the squamous portion of the temporal, except near the cranial end, where it articulates with the wing of the sphenoid.

The caudal border is thick and porous medially, but thin laterally, and bevelled at the expense of the inner surface for articulation with the interparietal and mastoid portion of the temporal.

Frontal Bone. Os frontale

(Figs. 39, 40, and 41, 5; Fig. 43, 8; Fig. 26).—The frontal bones meet one another in the median dorsal line so as to form the roof of the skull between the parietal and nasal bones. A part extends also ventrad, forming a large part of the medial wall of the orbit and a part of the temporal fossa.

The bone may be divided into two portions, a plate forming the cranial portion of the roof of the skull and a part of the roof of the nasal cavity, the frontal plate (Fig. 40, 5), and a part descending into the orbit, the orbital plate (Fig. 40, 5').

The frontal plate (Fig. 40, 5) is a right-angled triangle with the hypothenuse lateral. Its dorsal surface is convex and smooth. The cranial two-thirds of its lateral border is separated from the orbital fossa by a ridge, the supraorbital arch or margin (Fig. 39, i; Fig. 40, o); the caudal third passes gradually into the temporal fossa. At its cranial angle is a triangular projection, the frontal spine or nasal spine (Fig. 26, a), which fits into a space between the nasal and maxillary bones.

The ventral surface is concave and smooth over its caudal one-half and helps to form the cranial part of the brain-case. It presents slight ridges and depressions for convolutions of the cerebrum. At its narrowed middle region the ventral surface is marked by a thick transverse ridge (Fig. 26, b). Caudally the ridge descends by a gentle slope to the level of the ventral surface of the bone. The cranial end of the ridge is pierced by an oval foramen through which the frontal sinus (Fig. 43, m, m'), which lies within the ridge, communicates with the spaces in the ethmoid bone (nasal cavity). Craniad of the ridge the surface (Fig. 26, c) is rough and, together with the raised medial border of the bone and the orbital plate, encloses a rectangular space which in the natural state receives a portion of the labyrinth of the ethmoid. The ventral surface is marked at its medial edge by a thin longitudinal ridge which, when the bones are articulated, is continuous with one of the vertical lamellÆ of the ethmoid.

The medial border forms a vertical plate (d), broadest craniad and roughened for articulation with its fellow of the opposite side except at its cranial end, where it articulates with the border of the nasal bone.

The caudal border is roughened, bevelled at the expense of the outer surface, and articulated with the parietal bone except at its ventral end, where it articulates with the alisphenoid.

The lateral border is smooth, and it is here that the orbital plate is joined to the frontal plate at right angles. Along its cranial two-thirds this union is marked by a sharp ridge, the supraorbital margin (Fig. 40, o) or arch. This ridge extends caudolaterad as a triangular projection, the zygomatic (or postorbital) process (Fig. 40, n), which is flattened on its cranioventral face near its extremity and forms part of the boundary of the orbital fossa. At its cranial end the lateral border articulates with the nasal and maxillary bones.

The orbital plate (Fig. 40, 5') arises from the ventral surface of the lateral border of the frontal plate. It is directed ventrad, is smooth and concave on its outer surface, and forms the dorsal portion of the medial wall of the orbital fossa. Near its ventral border it bears the small ethmoidal foramen, for the artery of the same name.

On the caudal one-half of its inner surface (Fig. 26) it assists the caudal part of the dorsal plate in forming the brain-case. The cranial one-half of its inner surface is marked off from the remainder of the surface by a sharp irregular ridge which is for articulation with the cribriform plate of the ethmoid. Craniad of this the surface is marked by ridges and looks into the nasal cavity.

The cranial margin is produced dorsally in the form of a blunt triangular spine. Mediad of this spine the bone articulates with the lachrymal bone.

The ventral border articulates by its cranial one-third with the orbital plate of the palatine, and by its caudal two-thirds with the body and wing of the presphenoid.

Maxillary Bone. Maxilla

(Figs. 27 and 28).—The maxillary bone forms the cranial and lateral portions of the roof of the mouth. The bones of opposite sides meet craniad, but diverge caudad to enclose the palatal plates of the palatine bones. Each consists of a thick prismatic ventral portion or body (a) and a thin flat plate, the frontal process (b), extending dorsad from the cranial part of the bone.

The body (a) has the form of a triangular prism whose broader dorsal face looks into the nasal cavity and orbit, while the ventral face looks into the mouth, and the lateral face toward the cheek. From the junction of the dorsal and lateral surfaces at the cranial end the large flat curved frontal process (b) passes dorsad, while the teeth are implanted along the border, alveolar border or process, formed by the junction of the ventral and lateral surfaces.

The lateral surface is continuous with the lateral surface of the frontal process and shows at the base of the frontal process on its caudal border the large infraorbital foramen (Fig. 27, c), for the vessels and nerves of the same name. Near the medial end of the surface is a cylindrical elevation (d) for the root of the canine tooth (e).

The ventral surface is smooth and looks into the roof of the mouth.

On the dorsal surface caudal and cranial halves may be distinguished. The caudal one-half enters into the floor of the orbit. The lateral edge of this portion is divided into two laminÆ, between which is received the end of the malar bone. Caudad this edge is prolonged into the short dorsally directed zygomatic process (j). The cranial half of the dorsal surface looks into the nasal cavity and is separated from the caudal half by a sharp vertical lamina of bone which runs caudomediad from the base of the nasal process. To the dorsal edge of this lamina are articulated the lachrymal bone and a part of the palatine. At the point where the lamina joins the base of the nasal process a foramen is seen leading into a canal, the nasolachrymal canal (k). Craniad of the lamina the surface is concave. Where it becomes continuous with the inner edge of the frontal process there is attached to it a thin bone, the ventral nasal concha (or maxilloturbinal), which is rolled into an irregular spiral. The nasolachrymal canal opens ventrad of its cranial end.

The cranial third of this part of the bone projects further mediad than does the rest of the medial border, forming thus the broad palatine process. This is rough on its medial edge for articulation with the premaxillary and the palatine process of the opposite bone. This medial edge rises also dorsally into a low ridge, the nasal crest (m), which is roughened for articulation with the vomer. The caudal two-thirds of the medial edge articulates with the palatine bone.

The cranial end of the bone articulates with the premaxilla.

The caudal end is smooth.

The frontal process (b) presents on its inner surface, which looks into the nasal cavity, certain transverse ridges which are in relation with the ethmoid bone. Its outer surface is smooth. By its cranial border it articulates with the nasal bone dorsally and with the premaxillary bone ventrally.

Fig. 29.—Premaxillary Bone, Obliquely Craniolateral Aspect.

a, the three incisor teeth; b, palatal portion of the bone; c, nasal process.

Its dorsal end articulates medially with the nasal spine of the frontal bone, and caudally with the orbital plate of the same bone.

Premaxillary Bone. (Os incisivum BNA.) Premaxilla

(Fig. 29).—The premaxillary bones bear the incisor teeth and form the cranial portion of the roof of the mouth.

Each consists of an irregular, horizontal palatal portion (b) and of a perpendicular nasal process (c) which forms part of the lateral boundary of the nares and enters into the formation of the lateral wall of the nasal cavity.

The palatal portion has in its caudal border a deep notch for the foramen incisivum or anterior palatine canal, which lies between it and the maxillary and transmits blood-vessels and nerves. It articulates with the maxillary bone by this border.

The medial border is raised into a thin crest of bone which, besides forming the medial wall of the foramen incisivum or anterior palatine canal, articulates by its medial border with the bone of the opposite side, forming a sort of median trough (sulcus palatinus) which projects dorsad into the nasal cavity and receives the ventral border of the nasal septum. The caudal end of this border articulates laterad with the maxilla, dorsad with the vomer.

Its craniolateral border bears the incisor teeth (a).

The nasal process (c) presents three surfaces, all elongated and triangular; one, the medial surface, is smooth and concave and looks into the nasal cavity. Its dorsal border is rough for articulation with the nasal bone dorsad, and smooth ventrad where it aids in forming the nares.

The lateral surface is smooth.

The caudal surface is rough for articulation with the maxillary bone.

Nasal Bone. Os nasale

(Fig. 30).—The nasal bones fill the space between the nasal process of the premaxillary, the frontal process of the maxillary, and the nasal spine of the frontal bone (Fig. 39, 7). They thus form part of the dorsal wall of the nasal cavity near the middle line.

Each may be described as consisting of two elongated triangular lamellÆ, one vertical, the other horizontal. The vertical lamella is curved slightly ventrad and has its apex directed craniad. It is applied by its medial surface against the vertical lamella of the opposite bone, the two thus forming a median vertical partition, the nasal crest (Fig. 43, 12), which extends ventrad into the nasal cavity and, by joining the dorsal edge of the lamina perpendicularis, helps to form the internasal septum.

The horizontal lamella is attached to the dorsal margin of the vertical lamella in such a way that its apex lies opposite the base of the vertical lamella. It helps to roof in the nasal cavity, and by its base forms a part of the dorsal boundary of the narial opening. By its lateral margin it articulates with the nasal spine of the frontal at its caudal end, with the frontal process of the maxillary at its middle, and with the nasal process of the premaxilla at its cranial end. The lateral angle of its base projects in a curved line which forms the dorsal part of the lateral boundary of the narial opening.

From the lateral border of the horizontal lamella a bony plate curves ventrad and mediad, enclosing a narrow fossa which receives a part of the ethmoid. This is the concha nasalis superior (nasoturbinal bone).

Ethmoid Bone. Os ethmoidale

(Figs. 31 and 32).—The ethmoid bone closes in the cranial cavity at its cranial end and extends forward into the nasal cavity, which it largely fills.

It consists of a median vertical portion, the lamina perpendicularis (Fig. 43, n; Fig. 42, p), forming a part of the nasal septum, of two lateral portions made of thin sheets of bone variously folded and united—the labyrinths (or ethmoturbinals), which fill the greater part of the nasal cavity; and of a transverse perforated plate, the cribriform plate (lamina cribrosa), attached to the caudal end of the lamina perpendicularis and the labyrinths.

The lamina perpendicularis (Fig. 43, n; Fig. 42, p) is a flat four-sided bone. By its caudal margin it is continuous with the cribriform plate; by its ventral margin it is enclosed by the halves of the vomer; by its dorsal margin it unites with the crest formed by the vertical portion of the nasal bone craniad and with the vertical lamina of the medial margin of the frontal caudad, while its cranial margin is continued into the septal cartilage of the nose. Its lateral faces are smooth and free.

The lamina cribrosa or cribriform plate (Fig. 42, o) is elongated heart-shaped, with the apex of the heart ventrad. Its caudal face is concave and looks into the cranial cavity. It presents three irregular longitudinal rows of holes, one median and two lateral, for the passage of the olfactory fibres from the cranial cavity into the nasal cavity. Its cranial face is continuous along the medial line with the lamina perpendicularis, and at the sides with the labyrinths.

The notch in the heart is directed dorsad and receives the vertical lamina of the medial border of the frontal bone. The apex of the heart articulates with the cranial end of the dorsal surface of the presphenoid. Its lateral margins are articulated with the ethmoidal ridges on the medial surface of the frontal bone.

The labyrinths (Figs. 31 and 32) are attached to the cranial face of the lamina cribrosa, one on each side of the lamina perpendicularis. Each is made of thin bony plates irregularly folded so as to enclose spaces, the ethmoid cells. In each may be distinguished a cranial portion (b), in which the cells are nearly vertical, and a caudal portion (c), in which the cells are nearly horizontal.

The medial surfaces are separated by a space from the lamina perpendicularis. This space is broadest along the junction of the horizontal and vertical portions of the labyrinth. There are thus formed two passageways which correspond to the superior meati of human anatomy.

The lateral surfaces come into contact with the frontal process of the maxillary and the orbital plate of the frontal bone. On the lateral surface of each labyrinth there is a thin irregular lamina of bone lying in a dorsoventral longitudinal plane and closing in some of the ethmoid cells laterally (d). A small part of this lamina, situated near the caudoventral angle of the bone, appears in the orbital fossa on the external surface of the skull between the presphenoid, palatine, and frontal bones or between the lachrymal, palatine, and frontal bones. Sometimes in the entire skull two such pieces may be seen, one in each of these positions. This corresponds to the lamina papyracea of human anatomy.

The dorsocaudal angle of each bone is received into the space between the orbital plate of the frontal and the vertical lamina of the medial border of the frontal. Its ventrocaudal angle is received between the cranial extensions of the lateral walls of the presphenoid, while its ventral surface is overlaid caudally by the expanded portion of the vomer, to which it is attached at its caudolateral angles.

Vomer

(Figs. 31 and 32, a).—The vomer consists of two thin laminÆ of bone which ensheath the ventral margin of the lamina perpendicularis (or the cartilaginous plate which continues ventrad from this margin) and unite ventrad of it; the two thus form a trough open dorsad.

Each becomes horizontal near its caudal end and at the same time expands. The expanded portion lies ventrad of the labyrinth of the ethmoid, closing in some of its cells: its lateral angles are united with the labyrinths.

At its caudal end the bone articulates with the body of the presphenoid, and each half of it is produced caudad near the middle line into a triangular spine which lies ventrad of the body of the presphenoid. The horizontal portion of the bone helps to separate the olfactory and respiratory passages of the nasal chamber, while its vertical portion contributes to the formation of the nasal septum.

The ventral margin formed by the junction of the two halves of the bone is smooth and free caudad, but at its cranial end is broad and rough for articulation with the palatal processes of the maxillÆ.

Palatine Bone. Os palatinum

(Fig. 33).—The palate bone or palatine bone consists of two portions, a horizontal or palatal portion (a) and a perpendicular or nasal portion (b), uniting at an angle of about forty-five degrees.

The horizontal portions (a) of the two bones are received between the maxillary bones and form the caudal and medial part of the roof of the mouth. Each is irregularly quadrilateral in form, with the caudolateral angle produced caudad into a long process which is continuous with the perpendicular portion of the bone. The lateral margin of the horizontal portion articulates over its cranial half with the maxillary bone. At about its middle a short thick maxillary spine (c) projects caudolaterad. The remainder of the lateral margin is directly continuous with the perpendicular plate of the bone. The medial margin is rough for articulation with the corresponding margin of the opposite palatine; the caudal angle of this margin projects caudad as the short posterior nasal spine (d). The caudal margin forms a free edge which bounds the choanÆ; it passes laterally into the perpendicular portion.

The ventral surface (Fig. 41, 8) looks into the mouth. Near the middle of its craniolateral margin are two or more small foramina (Fig. 41, q) which form the cranial termination of the posterior palatine canal. The dorsal surface is smooth and looks into the nasal cavity.

The perpendicular or nasal portion (Fig. 33, b) of the palatine is thin and irregularly quadrilateral in form. It is attached by its cranial two-thirds to the dorsal surface of the horizontal portion. The outer surface is concave and looks into the orbital fossa. The inner surface is convex and looks into the nasal cavity.

The perpendicular portion is marked by two foramina just craniad of the middle. The larger dorsal oval foramen is the sphenopalatine foramen (e). The smaller ventral foramen is the caudal opening of the posterior palatine canal (f). From this opening the canal passes craniomediad, lying in the substance of the palatine bone; it opens on the ventral surface of the horizontal portion at the small openings previously described (Fig. 41, q).

By its cranial margin it articulates with the lachrymal bone. By its dorsal margin it articulates craniad with the orbital plate of the frontal: with the lamina papyracea at its middle, and with the body of the presphenoid caudad. The caudal half of the dorsal margin is partially divided into two lamellÆ with a rough surface between them: this rough surface lies against the ventral surface of the presphenoid. The caudal margin articulates with the pterygoid portion of the sphenoid.

Lachrymal Bone. Os lachrymale

(Fig. 34; Fig. 39, 10).—The lachrymal bone is a thin pentagonal scale of bone filling the interval between the horizontal plate of the palatine, the maxillary, and the orbital plate of the frontal. Its outer surface looks into the orbit, its inner surface into the nasal cavity.

Near the middle of its cranial border it is notched obliquely by a foramen (a), the beginning of the nasolachrymal canal.

Malar Bone. Jugal Bone. Os zygomaticum

(Fig. 35).—The malar or zygomatic bone is a flat curved plate of bone which forms the lateral wall of the orbit and together with the zygomatic process of the temporal forms the zygomatic arch. Its outer surface is smooth and marked by a longitudinal ridge (a) for attachment of the masseter muscle.

At its caudal end the bone is continued into two processes: one, the frontal process or orbital process (b), is a triangular spine of bone directed caudomediad; when the bones are articulated it lies opposite the zygomatic process of the frontal to which it is joined by a ligament (orbital ligament). The other, zygomatic process (c) of the malar bone, extends ventrocaudad and articulates with a similar process from the temporal to form the zygomatic arch above mentioned.

Its inner surface is smooth and looks into the orbit, except that of the zygomatic process, which looks into the temporal fossa.

Its cranial border is roughened at the expense of both surfaces and articulates with the maxillary bone. Its other borders are smooth except the dorsal border of the zygomatic process, which is roughened for attachment to the zygomatic process of the temporal.

The Mandible. Mandibula

(Figs. 36 and 37).—The mandible (or inferior maxillary bone) is composed of two halves which come together at the cranial end and form the lower jaw. At its caudal end each half articulates with the temporal bone at the mandibular fossa, and at its cranial end it joins the opposite bone, the suture being known as the symphysis of the jaw (symphysis menti) (Fig. 37, a).

Each half consists of a horizontal portion, the body (b), bearing teeth on one of its borders (the alveolar border), and of a vertical portion, the ramus (c).

The body (b) has the form of a flattened cylinder and has two surfaces and two borders. The lateral surface (Fig. 36) is smooth and presents near its cranial end a foramen (or sometimes two), the mental foramen (d), forming the cranial termination of the mandibular canal. At its caudal end is a deep fossa continuing on to the ramus, the coronoid fossa, or masseteric fossa (e).

The medial surface (Fig. 37) is smooth and has near its caudal end a foramen, the mandibular foramen (f), which communicates with the mandibular canal leading lengthwise through the bone to the mental foramen. The cranial end is roughened for attachment to the bone of the opposite side.

The ventral border is smooth and rounded; it ends caudally in a blunt point, the angular process (g). The dorsal (alveolar) border is slightly curved and bears the sockets (alveoli) for the teeth. It is continuous with the cranial margin of the coronoid process.

The ramus is divided into two portions, the coronoid process (h) and the condyloid process (i). The coronoid process (h) extends dorsocaudad as a thin plate of bone with smooth surfaces and borders. Its outer surface is partly occupied by the coronoid fossa (e). The condyloid process (i) has the form of a semicylindrical transverse piece of bone attached to the caudal margin of the coronoid process. It articulates with the mandibular fossa of the temporal bone.

Hyoid Bone. Os hyoideum

(Fig. 38 and Fig. 104).—The hyoid bone forms the support for the tongue and gives origin to muscles passing to the tongue and larynx. It also supports the thyroid cartilage (Fig. 104, 1).

It consists of a transverse bony bar, the body (Fig. 38, a) and of two cornua or horns attached to each end of the body.

The cranial cornu (lesser cornu of human anatomy) is the longer (Fig. 38, b-e). Each arises from the cranial face of the body at its lateral end, curves laterad, and then caudodorsad. It consists of four bony pieces movably united by cartilage.

The terminal piece is the tympanohyal (e); it is imbedded in the tympanic bulla just ventrad of the stylomastoid foramen. It is not therefore seen attached to the cornu after the latter has been separated from the skull. The other pieces become successively shorter toward the body, and are called stylohyal (d), epihyal (c), and ceratohyal (b).

The caudal cornua (f) (greater cornua of human anatomy) arise from the ends of the body. Each consists of a single piece of bone, the thyrohyal (f), which passes caudolaterad; its free end is united to a process of the thyroid cartilage (Fig. 104, 1).

The Skull as a Whole.

—In the following description of the skull as a whole the mandible, hyoid, and ear-bones are not included.

The skull forms a bony box which contains the brain and is produced craniad into the facial portion which encloses the nasal cavity and forms the framework of the face.

In dorsal view (Fig. 39) the skull presents a smooth convex surface, broadest caudad, with the two zygomatic arches (g) curving out some distance laterally. The following bones are visible in dorsal view: the occipital (1), interparietal (2), parietals (3), temporals (4), frontals (5), malar or zygomatic bones (6), nasals (7), maxillaries (8), premaxillaries (9), and lachrymals (10).

The caudal boundary of the dorsal surface is marked by the prominent lambdoidal ridge (a) which passes from the middle cranioventrad along each side to the root of the zygomatic arch: it is borne by the occipital and temporal bones. From the middle of the lambdoidal ridge a second ridge, the sagittal crest (c), passes craniad in the middle line across the interparietal bone: it varies greatly in extent, reaching in a very old and muscular cat to the cranial border of the parietals, while in kittens it does not exist. The most prominent portions of the skull in this region, just craniad of the middle of the parietal bones, are known as the parietal tubercles or eminences (d). A faint curved line (e) runs from the cranial end of the sagittal crest craniolaterad to the base of the zygomatic process of the frontal: it marks the dorsal boundary of the origin of the temporal muscle, and may therefore be considered the dorsal boundary of the temporal fossa. This fossa extends from its dorsal boundary as far laterad and caudad as the lambdoidal ridge (a), and as far craniad as a line connecting the tip of the zygomatic process of the frontal (f) with the frontal process of the malar (h). The temporal muscle takes origin from its surface.

The middle portion of the dorsal surface is formed by the frontals (5). Each frontal presents laterally a prominent zygomatic process (f), extending ventrolaterad toward a corresponding (frontal) process (h) of the malar bone. These two processes mark the boundary between the orbital fossa (craniad) and the temporal fossa (caudad). Craniad of the zygomatic process of the frontal a sharp margin separates the dorsal surface of the skull from the wall of the orbital fossa: this is the supraorbital arch or margin (i).

The cranial portion of the dorsal surface is formed by the maxillary (8), nasal (7), and premaxillary bones (9). Just craniad of the nasals, bounded ventrad and craniad by the premaxillaries, appears the large opening of the nares (j), leading into the nasal cavity.

The zygomatic arch (g) is formed by the zygomatic process of the temporal (m) and the malar or zygomatic bone (6). Each presents near its middle a prominent dorsocaudally directed process, the frontal process (h) of the malar bone. The zygomatic arch forms the lateral boundary of the temporal and orbital fossÆ, which are separated by a line connecting the frontal process of the malar (h) and the zygomatic process of the frontal (f).

A portion of the floor of the orbit and the opening of the lachrymal canal (o) may also be seen in dorsal view; they are described in connection with the lateral surface.

The caudal surface of the skull is formed largely by the occipital bone (Fig. 17), surrounding the foramen magnum (Fig. 17, d). At the sides of the foramen magnum are the two prominent curved occipital condyles (e) for articulation with the atlas. Craniolaterad of the condyles, separated from them by a deep notch, are the jugular processes (f) of the occipital, closely applied to the caudal ends of the tympanic bullÆ.

Dorsad of the foramen magnum are faint indications of a median ridge running dorsad, the external occipital crest (Fig. 17, i); this rises at its junction with the lambdoidal ridge to form the prominent external occipital tubercle (Fig. 39, b). The dorsal and dorsolateral boundaries of the posterior surface are formed by the lambdoidal ridge (Fig. 17, h; Fig. 39, a).

The lateral surface of the skull (Fig. 40) is much more complicated than the dorsal and posterior surfaces. Caudally the occipital condyles (a) and external occipital crest (b) are visible; dorsocaudad the sagittal crest (c).

Extending from the caudal end of the sagittal crest the lambdoidal ridge (d) is seen passing ventrocraniad to the tympanic bulla, thence craniad to the root of the zygomatic arch. In the ventral part of the caudal region the tympanic bulla (e) is visible with the jugular process (f) of the occipital pressed close against its caudal end. Just craniad of the jugular process the mastoid process (g) of the temporal rests against the side of the bulla. Beneath the cranial edge of this process is the opening of the stylomastoid foramen (h) for the seventh nerve, while just ventrad of the foramen is the small pit (i) in the tympanic bulla for the reception of the tympanohyal bone. Craniad of the stylomastoid foramen is the large opening of the external auditory meatus (j), leading into the middle ear.

Immediately dorsocraniad of the external auditory meatus the zygomatic arch begins as the zygomatic process (k) of the temporal bone. On the cranial surface of the base of this process is the deep mandibular fossa (l) for the condyle of the mandible. This fossa is bounded caudally by the prominent postmandibular process (m).

All that portion of the lateral surface of the skull which lies craniodorsad of the lambdoidal ridge may be divided (excluding the zygomatic arch) into three main parts, the temporal fossa, the orbital fossa, and the face. The boundaries of the temporal fossa have been given. The orbital fossa is bounded externally by a prominent semicircular ridge formed chiefly by the zygomatic arch, the zygomatic process of the frontal (n), and the supraorbital arch (o) of the frontal, which may be traced to the cranial root of the zygomatic arch. The orbital fossa may be considered to end caudally and ventrally at the level of the optic foramen (w); ventrad of it are certain smaller fossÆ. Immediately ventrad is the long external pterygoid fossa (p), from which arises part of the external pterygoid muscle. This fossa begins at the sphenopalatine foramen (q) and extends caudad to the orbital fissure (r); it is separated by a ridge from the orbital fossa. Caudoventrad of the external pterygoid fossa and separated from it by a sharp ridge is the small narrow internal pterygoid fossa (s), which extends ventrad without interruption on to the surface of the hamulus (t) and caudad to within two or three millimeters of the tympanic bulla. From it the internal pterygoid muscle takes origin. The hamulus (t) projects caudoventrad in this region, forming a prominent feature in a lateral view.

Four foramina leading into the cranial cavity are visible in a lateral view of the skull, craniad of the tympanic bulla. The one nearest the bulla is the foramen ovale (u) for the third division of the fifth nerve; next craniad of this is the foramen rotundum (v) for the second division of the fifth nerve. These two foramina pierce the alisphenoid: just craniad of them, between the alisphenoid and the orbitosphenoid, is the large orbital fissure (r) (foramen lacerum anterius), which transmits the third, fourth, and sixth cranial nerves and the first division of the fifth. Dorsocraniad of the orbital fissure is the optic foramen (w), for the optic nerve.

Ventrad of the cranial portion of the orbit is the large sphenopalatine foramen (q), for the nerves and arteries of the same name. Just craniad of this is the small caudal opening of the posterior palatine canal, which passes through the substance of the palatine bone and opens on its ventral surface near its cranial margin. Just dorsad of the cranial root of the zygomatic arch is the opening of the lachrymal canal (x), while the root of the arch is pierced by the large infraorbital foramen (y), which transmits the infraorbital nerves and artery from the orbit.

The teeth (13-18), implanted along the alveolar border of the maxillary and premaxillary, form a prominent feature in a lateral view: they are described in the account of the alimentary canal.

The ventral surface of the skull (Fig. 41) is very complex. It is separated by the orbits into a caudal and a cranial portion, united by a narrow median trough-like part. Laterad of this trough-like part are visible parts of the orbit and the zygomatic arches, which do not properly belong to the ventral surface and have already been described.

Caudally there appear in the ventral view the foramen magnum (a), occipital condyles (b), and jugular processes (c). In front of the jugular processes the two tympanic bullÆ (d) form prominent features, with the mastoid process (e), the stylomastoid foramen (f), and the external auditory meatus (g) on their lateral surfaces. All these structures have been described. The tympanic bullÆ (d) are placed with long axes directed craniomediad, so that they converge toward their cranial ends. At the caudomedial angle of each bulla is the large jugular foramen (h), for the ninth, tenth, and eleventh nerves. Opening into the mediocaudal margin of the jugular foramen is the smaller hypoglossal foramen, for the twelfth nerve.

The craniomedial end of the tympanic bulla projects craniad as the styliform process (i). Just laterad of this process is the opening (j) into the tympanic bulla by which the tuba auditiva or Eustachian tube passes into the middle ear. A faint groove for the tube passes craniomediad from this opening, on the surface of the sphenoid. Craniolaterad of the opening for the tuba auditiva is the foramen ovale (k); craniad of this the foramen rotundum (l) is faintly indicated. On the surface of the sphenoid just craniad of the styliform process of the bulla tympani is the minute opening of the pterygoid canal (t). The orbital fissure and optic foramen are not seen in the ventral view.

The middle region of the ventral surface is narrow: it is formed by a trough-like fossa which is bounded laterally by the pterygoid processes (m) of the sphenoid and the perpendicular plates of the palatines (n). Ventrad of this lies, in the natural condition, the soft palate, converting the fossa into the nasal portion of the pharynx or nasopharynx. Craniad this fossa is bounded by the free caudal edges of the palatines; beneath which the fossa communicates with the nasal cavity by the two choanÆ (o). Laterad of this median fossa are visible in the ventral view parts of the temporal and orbital fossÆ, bounded laterally by the zygomatic arches (p).

The cranial part of the ventral surface is a somewhat triangular plane area formed by the palatal portions of the palatines (8), maxillaries (9), and premaxillaries (10), which together constitute the hard palate (palatum durum). Laterad and craniad this area is bounded by the alveolar borders of the maxillaries and premaxillaries bearing the teeth. The hard palate is marked near the cranial border of the palatine bones with two or more foramina which form the cranial termination of the posterior palatine canal (q). Two faint grooves pass from these foramina a short distance craniad, gradually converging: these are known as the palatine grooves (r) (sulci palatini). Near the cranial end of the hard palate are two large openings close together near the middle line: these are the foramina incisiva (or anterior palatine foramina) (s).

Cavities of the Skull

(Figs. 42 and 43).—The bones of the cranial portion of the skull enclose the cranial cavity for the brain; the facial bones enclose the nasal cavity, for the olfactory organ.

The cranial cavity is divisible into three principal fossÆ: the cerebellar fossa (Fig. 43, I) caudad, for the cerebellum; the cerebral fossa (II) in the middle, for the cerebrum; the small olfactory fossa (III) at the cranial end for the olfactory bulb of the brain.

The cerebellar fossa (I) is bounded caudally by the occipital bone enclosing the foramen magnum (Fig. 42, a). Its ventral surface is formed by the basilar portion of the occipital and the petrous portions of the temporals; its lateral surface by the mastoid portions of the temporals and parts of the parietals and occipital. Its roof is formed by the parietals and interparietal. Craniad the cerebellar fossa is partly separated from the cerebral fossa by the tentorium (Fig. 42, e; Fig. 43, f) formed by the two parietals: this encloses a quadrangular opening by which the two fossÆ communicate. The caudal, dorsal, and lateral walls of the cerebellar fossa are deeply marked by fossÆ for the lobes of the cerebellum; the small appendicular fossa (Fig. 43, e), forming a deep indentation in the petrous bone near its dorsocaudal end, is particularly noticeable.

The following openings are found in the walls of the cerebellar fossa. Caudad is the large foramen magnum (Fig. 42, a) by which the brain-cavity communicates with the vertebral canal. Near the caudal margin of the foramen magnum, on its lateral side, just mediad of the dorsal end of the occipital condyle, is the caudal opening of the condyloid canal (Fig. 43, a) which passes craniad through the substance of the occipital bone to open just caudad of the petrous: it transmits a vein. The condyloid canal varies greatly in size in different specimens. A few millimeters craniad of the edge of the foramen magnum on the floor of the fossa is the small opening of the hypoglossal canal (Figs. 42 and 43, b), for the twelfth nerve. Just craniad of this, at the caudomedial border of the petrous, is the large jugular foramen (c). On the petrous itself, near the middle, is the internal, auditory meatus (d) divided into the dorsal facial canal for the seventh nerve, and a ventral passage for the eighth nerve. At the cranial end of the cerebellar fossa is the large opening bounded by the free edges of the tentorium.

The cerebral fossa forms much the largest part of the cranial cavity. It is bounded by the parietals (Fig. 43, 3'), squamous portions of the temporals (4), frontals (8), the sphenoid (5), and presphenoid (6). A slight rounded ridge on its lateral wall at about the position of the suture between the frontals and parietals separates a smaller cranial portion sometimes called the anterior fossa, from a larger caudal portion sometimes known as the middle fossa of the cranial cavity. The walls of the cerebral cavity are marked with numerous ridges and shallow furrows for the cerebral convolutions.

The floor of the cerebral cavity is bounded caudad by the prominent dorsum sellÆ (Fig. 42, f; Fig. 43, g), just craniad of which is the rounded depression known as the sella turcica (Fig. 42, g; Fig. 43, h), for lodgment of the hypophysis. A number of foramina pierce the floor of the cavity in this region. Just ventrad of the cranial tip of the petrous portion of the temporal is the small foramen lacerum (medius). Craniad and laterad of this is a row of four foramina: the caudal one is the foramen ovale (Fig. 42, i); then come in order the foramen rotundum (j), the orbital fissure (k), and the optic foramen (Fig. 42, l; Fig. 43, k). The two optic foramina are connected by the shallow transverse chiasmatic groove (Fig. 42, m), for the optic chiasma. Another small foramen continues caudad from a groove on the floor of the orbital fissure; this opens on the ventral surface of the sphenoid, between the wing and the body of the bone. The groove and foramen constitute the pterygoid canal, which transmits a nerve,—the nerve of the pterygoid canal, or Vidian nerve.

The cranial cavity narrows at its cranial end to form the small olfactory fossa (Fig. 43, III) which lodges the olfactory bulbs. This is bounded by the frontals and the lamina cribrosa (Fig. 42, o) of the ethmoid; caudad it opens directly into the cerebral fossa. Numerous openings through the lamina cribrosa for the olfactory fibres connect the olfactory fossa with the nasal cavity. The roof of the fossa is marked by a prominent median crest from the united edges of the frontals.

The nasal cavity is almost completely filled by the ethmoid and vomer and the conchÆ nasales. Its roof is formed by the nasal bones and portions of the frontals; its sides by the frontals, lachrymals, maxillaries, premaxillaries, and palatine bones; its floor by the horizontal plates of the palatines, maxillaries, and premaxillaries.

Fig. 43.—Skull, Median Longitudinal Section, showing the Cavities.

I, cerebellar fossa; II, cerebral fossa; III, olfactory fossa. 1, occipital bone; 2, interparietal; 3, 3', parietal; 4, temporal (4, squamous portion; 4', petrous portion; 4, tympanic portion); 5, sphenoid; 6, presphenoid; 7, palatine; 8, frontal; 9, maxillary; 10, premaxillary; 11, ethmoid; 12, nasal; 13, incisor teeth; 14, canine; 15, 16, 17, premolars; 18, molar. a, condyloid canal; b, hypoglossal canal; c, jugular foramen; d, internal auditory meatus; e, appendicular fossa; f, tentorium; g, dorsum sellÆ; h, sella turcica; i, hamular process; j, pterygoid process of sphenoid; k, optic foramen; l, presphenoid sinus; m, m', frontal sinus; n, lamina perpendicularis of the ethmoid (broken at cranial edge).

The nasal cavity opens craniad by the large nares (Fig. 39, j; Fig. 42, r), which are bounded by the premaxillary and nasal bones. In the natural condition this opening is divided by a median cartilage which is continuous with the lamina perpendicularis (Fig. 43, n) of the ethmoid, thus forming a partition which divides the nasal cavity into two separate halves. From the floor of the cranial part of the cavity rises a ridge formed of the nasal crests of the maxillaries and premaxillaries, and the cranial portion of the vomer. Farther caudad the vomer spreads out in a horizontal plane and separates from the floor of the cavity, so that the nasal cavity is thereby divided by a horizontal partition into dorsal and ventral portions. The ventral portion is small, forming the inferior meatus of the nose; it ends caudally at the choanÆ (posterior nares, Fig. 41, o) which lead into the nasopharynx. That portion of the nasal cavity lying dorsad of the vomer is almost completely filled by the ethmoid and the conchÆ nasales, superior and inferior. It is bounded caudally by the lamina cribrosa of the ethmoid (Fig. 42, o). The nasal cavity communicates with the cranial cavity by the foramina for the olfactory fibres in the lamina cribrosa; with the nasopharynx by the choanÆ; with the exterior of the body by the nares; with the mouth-cavity by the foramina incisiva or anterior palatine foramina (Fig. 42, s); with the orbit by the sphenopalatine foramen and the nasolachrymal canal. It communicates directly also with the frontal sinuses (Fig. 43, m, m'), the sphenoidal sinuses (Fig. 43, l), and with the cells of the labyrinths of the ethmoid.

JOINTS AND LIGAMENTS OF THE SKULL.

Sutures of the Skull.—The bones of the skull join each other by means of immovable articulations known as sutures. These sutures are designated by combining the names of the bones between which they are situated: as, sphenofrontal suture (sutura sphenofrontalis), between the sphenoid and frontal; nasomaxillary suture (sutura nasomaxillaris), between the nasal and maxillary bones. When a suture joins the two corresponding bones of opposite sides the prefix inter is used, as the intermaxillary suture (sutura intermaxillaris) between the maxillaries. The sutures bounding the parietals have, however, received special names not derived in this manner. The suture caudad of the parietals, separating them from the occipital and interparietal, is known as the lambdoidal suture; that between the two parietals is the sagittal suture; that separating the parietals and squamous portions of the temporals is the squamous suture; that between the parietals and frontals is the coronal suture. The suture separating the two frontals also is known as the frontal suture, in place of interfrontal.

Articulations of the Mandible.—In man the two halves of the mandible are united craniad, so as to form a single bone. In the cat the two halves are separate, but articulate closely at the symphysis menti by a thin interarticular cartilage.

The articulation of the mandible at the mandibular fossa of the temporal is covered with a close articular capsule. The mandibular fossa is lined with cartilage. A slender ligament passes from the angular process of the mandible caudad to the external auditory meatus, being attached to the latter about 8 millimeters from its medial end. This is the stylomandibular ligament.

V. BONES OF THE THORACIC EXTREMITIES.

Scapula

(Figs. 44 and 45).—The scapula may be described as a flat triangular bone with one angle rounded. It lies beneath the muscles on the lateral face of the thorax near its cranial end. From its lateral surface there projects a flat ridge (Fig. 44, g), the spine of the scapula. The ventral end of the ridge is free as a curved process, the acromion process (Fig. 44, j).

The ventral angle of the scapula (d), the glenoid angle (lateral angle of human anatomy), is much heavier than the others and bears a concave, pear-shaped articular facet, the glenoid fossa, for articulation with the humerus. The border with which this angle is more nearly continuous may be called the glenoid border (c) (axillary border of human anatomy).

Near the narrower cranial end of the glenoid fossa is a small curved projection of the bone, the coracoid process (Fig. 45, m). The border upon which it lies is the coracoid border (b) (superior border of human anatomy). The third border is turned toward the vertebral column and is the vertebral border (a).

The angle between the glenoid and vertebral borders is the glenovertebral angle (f) (inferior angle of human anatomy), and that between the coracoid and vertebral borders the coracovertebral angle (e) (medial angle of human anatomy).

The medial or costal surface (Fig. 45) is smooth and nearly flat. A shallow furrow (n) marks the position of the spine of the scapula. Between the furrow and the coracoid border are two oblique parallel ridges (o and o') for the insertion of muscle-fibres. Near the glenoid border is a well-marked ridge separating the subscapular fossa (III), comprising the greater part of the medial surface of the scapula, from the fossa in which the teres major muscle has origin (IV). The surface presents several nutrient foramina usually directed toward the glenoid angle.

The lateral surface (dorsal surface of human anatomy) (Fig. 44) is divided by the spine (g) into two portions. The portion of the scapula craniad of the spine and the cranial surface of the spine bound the supraspinous fossa (fossa supraspinata) (I), while the surface caudad of the spine and the caudal portion of the spine bound the infraspinous fossa (fossa infraspinata) (II).

The spine (g) begins as a triangular elevated area in the middle of the vertebral margin and runs toward the glenoid angle. It rises gradually for about two-fifths of its length and then the margin becomes broader and the spine remains of the same height to its glenoid end. There is a rough thickening, the tuberosity (h) of the spine, situated on its free border about midway between the tip of the acromion and the vertebral end of the spine. The spine is inclined toward the glenoid margin so as to form an angle of about 60 degrees with the caudal half of the lateral surface.

At the base of the acromion process (j) the margin of the spine presents a flat triangular projection, the metacromion (i), directed toward the glenoid border.

The acromion (j) continues in the direction of the spine. It is thicker than the spine, smooth and rounded on both its surfaces and both its borders, and its apex is connected by fibrous tissue to the clavicle.

The coracoid border (b) presents a slight rounded notch, the incisura scapulÆ or suprascapular notch (l), just dorsad of the glenoid angle, and at its ventral end bears the coracoid process (m) which is directed ventromediad.

The glenoid angle (d) is the only one requiring special mention. Between the root of the coracoid process and the glenoid cavity it presents a tubercle, the supraglenoidal or bicipital tubercle (k), for the tendon of origin of the biceps muscle. The glenoid angle is separated by a contracted neck from the rest of the bone. Between this angle and the inner margin of the acromion there is left a deep notch, the great scapular notch.

Clavicle. Clavicula

(Fig. 46).—The clavicle in the cat is greatly reduced. It is a slender curved rod of bone imbedded in the muscles of the shoulder and connected by fibrous tissue to the apex of the acromion process. The lateral end (b) is slightly enlarged.

Humerus

(Figs. 47 and 48).—The humerus forms the support of the upper arm and articulates by its proximal end with the scapula at the glenoid cavity, and by its distal end with the radius and ulna, the bones of the lower arm. It is a nearly cylindrical bone with enlarged ends, and is so curved that its dorsal and ventral borders are hooked at the opposite ends so that it has the form of an Italic f.

The proximal end of the bone bears on its dorsomedial portion a thickening, the head of the humerus (a), which bears a smooth ovoid articular facet by which the bone articulates with the glenoid cavity of the scapula. The head is not separated from the body by a distinct anatomical neck as in the human humerus.

Along the lateral border of the proximal end of the shaft is a high rough ridge semicircular in side view, the great tuberosity (b). It gives attachment to muscles and is marked on its dorsal border by a deep depression for the tendon of the infraspinatus muscle. On the medial margin of the proximal end closely associated with the head is a smaller elevation, the lesser tuberosity (c), also for muscular attachment.

Between the greater and lesser tuberosities on the ventral surface is seen a broad groove, the sulcus intertubercularis or bicipital groove (d), which passes distad onto the surface of the shaft. In the natural state it is converted into a canal by overlying tendons and lodges the tendon of the biceps muscle.

The shaft is nearly cylindrical at its middle, but its dorsoventral diameter is slightly greater than its mediolateral diameter. Its proximal end is flattened mediolaterad, while its distal end is flattened dorsoventrad.

From the ventral margin of the greater tuberosity a ridge, the pectoral ridge (e), is continued onto the surface of the shaft, and from the dorsal margin another ridge, the deltoid ridge (f), passes distad and ventrad so as to meet the pectoral ridge near the middle of the ventral surface of the bone. On the medial margin of the bone near the junction of the first and second fourths is a roughened area (g) for the attachment of the tendons of the latissimus dorsi and teres major muscles, and on the same surface near the junction of the second and last thirds is a nutrient foramen (h).

The distal end of the bone presents a smooth saddle-shaped articular surface, which, in well-marked bones, is divided, when seen from the ventral surface, by a slight nearly median ridge into two unequal portions, lateral and medial (i and j). The lateral half is rounded and is called the capitulum (i). It is broader ventrad than dorsad, and is not continued onto the dorsal surface of the bone. It is for articulation with the proximal end of the radius.

The medial half of the surface, the trochlea (j), is concave and passes directly into the capitular surface laterad, but is limited mediad by a sharp ridge. It is continued onto the dorsal surface of the bone, where it is limited also laterad by a ridge. It articulates with the semilunar notch of the ulna.

Proximad of the trochlea the dorsal surface presents a deep fossa, the olecranon fossa, which receives the olecranon of the ulna when the arm is straightened. On the ventral surface (Fig. 47) are two shallower fossÆ separated by a longitudinal ridge. The one over the trochlea receives the coronoid process of the ulna when the arm is bent, and is called thence the coronoid fossa (l). The one over the capitulum, the radial fossa (m), receives a triangular facet on the proximal end of the radius at the same time. Between the radial and coronoid fossÆ on one side and the olecranon fossa on the other is only a thin plate of bone. On the medial surface of the distal end is a considerable roughened elevation, the medial epicondyle (n) (epitrochlea). It gives origin to flexor muscles and to the ulnar collateral ligaments of the elbow-joint. Opposite the medial epicondyle over the capitulum is the lateral epicondyle (o) for the origin of extensor muscles of the forearm and of the radial collateral ligaments of the elbow-joint. From the lateral epicondyle a ridge, the lateral supracondyloid ridge (p), continues proximad, curving onto the dorsal surface of the bone and ending about opposite the junction of the deltoid and pectoral ridges.

Proximad of the medial epicondyle the bone is pierced near its medial margin by an oblique oval foramen, the supracondyloid foramen (q).

Radius

(I, Figs. 49 and 50).—In the usual position the radius lies with its proximal end on the lateral side of the arm, articulating with the capitulum of the humerus. The proximal end is thus laterad of the proximal end of the ulna. Its distal end, however, lies on the medial side of the distal end of the ulna, so that the radius in the natural position crosses ventrad of the ulna.

The radius is a curved bone slightly flattened dorsoventrally, with enlarged ends. It may be described as consisting of a shaft and of a proximal and a distal end. Its proximal end presents on the ventral surface a tuberosity, the bicipital tuberosity (c), for the insertion of the tendon of the biceps muscle. Proximad of this the bone is contracted to form a neck (b) which is surmounted by a head (a). The head has on its proximal surface a depressed oval facet by which it articulates with the capitulum, and on its ulnar border a long narrow facet, the articular circumference (d), for articulation with the radial notch of the ulna; also a triangular facet (e), which fits into the radial fossa of the humerus.

The shaft is convex dorsad and concave ventrad. The distal end is somewhat pyramidal. From its medial or radial side a wedge-shaped process, the styloid process (f), extends distad. The distal surface of the end together with the lateral surface of the styloid process form a concave articular cavity (g) which fits against the scapholunar bone.

The dorsal surface of the distal end is marked by longitudinal grooves for tendons, and its lateral or ulnar surface bears a concave facet for articulation with the ulna.

Ulna

(II, Figs. 49 and 50).—The ulna is a long slender bone, flattened mediolaterad. It is enlarged at its proximal end and becomes gradually smaller toward the distal end.

The proximal end is marked ventrally by a deep excavation, the semilunar notch, or great sigmoid cavity (h). By the saddle-shaped articular surface of the semilunar notch it articulates with the trochlea. This articular surface is divided into two parts by a transverse non-articular area. The distal boundary of the semilunar notch is a blunt process, the coronoid process (i), which bears on its lateral surface a concave facet, the radial notch, for the head of the radius.

The portion of the bone proximad of the semilunar notch is called the olecranon (j). It fits into the olecranon fossa of the humerus when the arm is straightened, and is rough at its end for the insertion of tendons.

The body of the ulna becomes triangular distad. The distal end is slightly larger than the shaft just proximad of it, and bears on its radioventral side a hemispherical head for articulation with the radius. Distad of the head the bone continues as the flattened styloid process (m), which projects distad from its dorsolateral side and is smooth on the medial side of its apex, for articulation with the cuneiform bone of the wrist.

Carpus

(Fig. 51).—The carpus (wrist) consists of seven bones arranged in two rows, three in the proximal row and four in the distal row. Beginning on the medial side of the hand (thumb or radial side), the first bone in the proximal row is the scapholunar (a) (equal to the scaphoid or navicular and lunar of the human hand). It articulates with the radius. The next is the cuneiform (b), articulating with the styloid process of the ulna, and the next, which is attached to the cuneiform and projects freely ventrad, is the pisiform (c).

In the distal row the bone on the radial side is the trapezium (d); the next is the trapezoid (e), the next the os magnum (f), and the last the unciform (g). The distal row articulates with the metacarpals or bones of the palm of the hand (1-5).

In the kitten the scapholunar is represented by three bones, the scaphoid or navicular, on the radial side, the lunare, between the scaphoid and the cuneiform, and a centrale, which lies distad of the other two.

Scapholunar Bone. Os scapholunaris (Fig. 51, a).—The scapholunar is a quadrangular bone with the ventroradial angle produced into a blunt process. Its proximal surface is smooth and articulates with the distal end of the radius. The distal end is marked by oblique ridges and articulates with the unciform, os magnum, trapezoid, and trapezium. The ulnar surface articulates with the cuneiform, and the dorsal surface of the ventroradial process with the radial sesamoid.

Cuneiform Bone. (Os triquetrum BNA) (Fig. 51, b).—The cuneiform bone has the form of a flattened pyramid. Its base articulates with the unciform, its proximoulnar surface with the pisiform except at its dorsal margin, where it articulates with the styloid process of the ulna. On its proximoradial surface is a smooth facet for articulation with the scapholunar.

Pisiform Bone. Os pisiforme (Fig. 51, c).—The pisiform bone is about twice as long as broad, with enlarged ends. Its dorsal end articulates with the cuneiform, and on its proximal surface, separated from the above by a smooth ridge, is a smooth facet for articulation with the styloid process of the ulna.

Unciform Bone. (Os hamatum BNA) (Fig. 51, g).—The unciform is a wedge-shaped bone with the apex of the wedge directed proximad, and smooth for articulation with the scapholunar. By a part of its ulnar surface it articulates with the cuneiform, and by its radial surface with the os magnum. Its distal end articulates with the fourth and fifth metacarpals.

Os magnum. (Os capitatum BNA) (Fig. 51, f).—The os magnum may be described as an oblong plate bearing on its proximal surface a semicircular ridge which crosses it diagonally. The proximal end of the bone articulates with the scapholunar. Its distal end articulates with the third metacarpal except near its ventroulnar angle, where it articulates with the fourth metacarpal. Its ulnar surface articulates with the unciform. Its radial border articulates with the trapezoid, the third metacarpal, and, by two facets, with the second metacarpal.

Trapezoid. (Os multangulum minus BNA.) (Fig. 51, e).—The trapezoid is somewhat wedge-shaped, with the apex of the wedge pointing ventrad. Its proximal side articulates with the scapholunar, its distal side with the second metacarpal, its ulnar side with the os magnum, and its radial side with the trapezium.

Trapezium. (Os multangulum majus BNA.) (Fig. 51, d).—The trapezium has the form of a triangular prism curved into a semicircle. The convex face looks proximad and articulates by its ventral half with the scapholunar. The ulnar surface articulates with the second metacarpal dorsally, and ventrally with the trapezoid. Its radial surface articulates with the first metacarpal.

Bones of the Hand or Manus

(Fig. 51, 1-5).—The Metacarpals. Metacarpus.—The metacarpals are the five bones of the palm of the hand; they are numbered from one to five, beginning with the thumb. They are cylindrical elongated bones with enlarged ends. The distal end is called the head, and the proximal end the base. Each head bears a hemispherical articular facet which is marked over its ventral half by a prominent smooth ridge. The surface dorsad of the ridge articulates with the proximal head of a phalanx. The ridge and the surface at its sides are for a pair of sesamoid bones.

The first metacarpal (1) is the shortest. Its head is oblique, and it articulates by the ulnar half of its proximal surface with the trapezium (d); by the radial half with the radial sesamoid (h).

The second metacarpal (2) is marked on the proximal part of its dorsal surface by an oblique groove passing from the radial side distad to the ulnar side. The base articulates with the trapezoid (e). The ulnar surface of the proximal end articulates with the os magnum (f) and third metacarpal, while the radial surface articulates with the trapezium (d).

The third metacarpal (3) is the longest, and its base is rhomboidal with a projecting dorsoradial angle separated by a groove from the rhomboid surface. The proximal end articulates with the os magnum (f) and second metacarpal; the radial surface of the proximal end with the second, and the ulnar surface with the fourth, metacarpal.

The fourth metacarpal (4) has a base similar in form to that of the third, and when placed in position with the fifth the two form a hemispherical facet which articulates with the unciform (g) and os magnum (f). The fourth metacarpal articulates by its radial side with the third, and by its ulnar side with the fifth.

The fifth metacarpal (5) articulates by its proximal end with the unciform (g), and by the radial side of its proximal end with the fourth metacarpal.

Digits (Fig. 51).—The first digit of the hand is called the pollex (thumb), the second the index, the third the medius, the fourth the annularis, the fifth the minimus.

The first digit has two phalanges, each of the others three phalanges.

Phalanges (Fig. 51, i, j, k).—The phalanges of the proximal row (i) are elongated, flattened dorsoventrally and curved so as to be longitudinally convex dorsad. All have thickened ends. The proximal end is notched, and its proximal surface looks dorsad and is concave for the head of the metacarpal. The distal end is pulley-shaped, and the pulley surface extends farther on to the ventral than on to the dorsal surface, and serves for articulation with the middle phalanx.

The phalanges of the middle row (j) are like those of the proximal row, but shorter. The proximal surface is triangular and marked by a median facetted ridge. The whole surface is smooth and adapted to the distal end of the phalanx of the first row. The distal end is transversely elongated, so as to be cylindrical, and projects more toward the ulnar than toward the radial side. The distal phalanx (k) articulates with this cylinder so that when it is fully extended it lies on the ulnar side of the middle phalanx.

The distal phalanx (k) has the form of a quadrangular prism. It is excavated on its proximal surface for articulation with the middle phalanx. Its distal surface presents dorsad a deep excavation from the bottom of which arises a compressed plate of bone having the form of a bird’s beak. The depression receives the base of a claw, and the beak-like projection supports the claw.

Sesamoid Bones of the Hand. Ossa sesamoidea.—The hand contains, in addition to those already described, eleven small bones that are developed in tendons.

One of these, the radial sesamoid (Fig. 51, h), is closely applied to the radial end of the scapholunar bone. It is developed in the tendon of the extensor brevis pollicis muscle.

The other ten occur in pairs as small flattened curved bones on the ventral side of the joint between each metacarpal and the phalanx with which it articulates.

JOINTS AND LIGAMENTS OF THE THORACIC LIMBS.

The shoulder-joint is an arthrodial or ball-and-socket joint. The bones entering into its formation are the scapula and the humerus.

The capsular ligament or articular capsule is very ample and allows for extended movement of the humerus. It is attached to the edge of the glenoid fossa of the scapula and passing distad covers the head of the humerus and is inserted at the line of junction of the shaft and the epiphysis which forms the head of the bone. On the lateral side of the ventral surface of the humerus the attachment continues distad about two centimeters along the lateral edge of the bicipital groove. On the medial side the insertion passes over the proximal end of the lesser tuberosity. A strong transverse band passes from the greater tuberosity to the lesser tuberosity and bridges the bicipital groove, converting it into a canal. The lateral and medial parts of the capsule are strengthened by thicker bands of fibres, the more prominent medial one of which passes from the coracoid process of the scapula to the lesser tuberosity. To the capsule are closely united parts of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, coracobrachialis, and subscapularis muscles. A synovial membrane lines the capsule within and forms a sheath around the biceps tendon, so that the latter does not actually enter the synovial capsule.

The elbow-joint (Figs. 52 and 53) is a ginglymus or hinge-joint. The bones which enter into it are the humerus, radius, and ulna.

The capsule of the joint forms a sac, with the following attachments to the bones: (1) To the humerus it is attached at the proximal edge of the coronoid and radial fossÆ; to the sides of the capitulum and trochlea distad of the two epicondyles, and to the distal edge of the olecranon fossa. (2) To the ulna it is attached at the edges of the radial and semilunar notches; (3) to the radius around the articular facet, two or three centimeters distad of the border. Many of the muscles of this region are closely attached to the capsule.

Closely connected with the capsule of the joint are the collateral ligaments. The two medial collateral ligaments (Fig. 52) arise from the medial epicondyle. One (b) passes distad and laterad to the interval between the radius and ulna; here it divides, one branch going to the head of the radius, while the other is attached to the lateral surface of the ulna at the edge of the semilunar notch. The second medial ligament (a) lies dorsad of the first; it passes to the medial surface of the ulna, at the distal edge of the semilunar notch.

The two collateral ligaments on the lateral side (Fig. 53) arise from the lateral epicondyle. The ventral one (b) passes almost directly distad and is inserted into the lateral surface of the proximal end of the radius about one centimeter from the articular surface; its inner surface is partly united to the annular ligament (c) of the radius. The dorsal one (a) is attached to the lateral border of the semilunar notch of the ulna.

Articulations of Radius and Ulna.—The proximal radio-ulnar articulation (Fig. 53) is by a pivot-joint or trochoid. The two bones are held in place by the annular ligament (Fig. 53, c). This is attached on the lateral side to the dorsal border of the radial notch of the ulna, passes around the head of the radius, receiving some ligamentous fibres which come from the lateral epicondyle, and is attached to the coronoid process of the ulna. The annular ligament is closely united with the capsule of the joint.

The radius and ulna are united for about their middle third by the thin interosseous membrane, which fills the interosseous space between their adjacent edges.

The Wrist.—At the wrist or carpus there are in reality three joints, the first between the radius and ulna proximad and the first row of carpals distad, the second between the two rows of carpal bones, the third between the distal row of carpals and the metacarpals. The first two are movable joints; the third is not. Each of these three joints has a capsule, and the bones entering into the joints are interconnected by numerous ligaments. These ligaments are named by combining the names of the two bones which they interconnect. Ligaments which interconnect bones of the same row in the carpus are sometimes distinguished as interosseous ligaments, as contrasted with intercarpal ligaments, which connect together bones of different rows. According to their position the ligaments may also be distinguished as dorsal, ventral, and lateral. Detailed descriptions and figures of all these ligaments are given by Strauss-Durckheim.

Metacarpals.—The joint between the carpals and metacarpals has been described. At the distal end of the metacarpals the articulations with the phalanges have each a capsule. The joint is further strengthened by a double lateral ligament on each side. The two sesamoid bones at each joint are interconnected by a strong transverse ligament, and each is connected with the head of the metacarpal and the base of the first phalanx by a lateral ligament.

Phalanges.—Between the phalanges the joints possess capsules, and each has a radial and an ulnar lateral ligament.

VI. BONES OF THE PELVIC EXTREMITIES.

Innominate Bones. Ossa innominata. (Os coxÆ BNA)

(Figs. 54 and 55).—The two innominate bones articulate with the sacrum and extend thence caudoventrad and finally turn mediad and unite in the middle line, forming the symphysis pubis. They thus form an arch, the pelvic arch, pelvic girdle or pelvis, which is closed dorsad by the sacrum.

In the middle of the lateral surface of each bone is a hemispherical depression, the acetabulum (Fig. 55, d), which receives the head of the femur.

In the kitten each innominate bone is composed of three principal parts united by sutures (Fig. 54). From the sacrum to the acetabulum is a single bar, the ilium (I). Caudad of the acetabulum are two bars. The dorsal one of these is the ischium (II), and the ventral one is the pubis (III). The ischium enters into the formation of the acetabulum (a), but the pubis does not. The two bones, however, are in contact at the ventral edge of the acetabulum. From this point they diverge, but unite with one another again near the middle line and thus enclose an oval foramen, the obturator foramen (b). Wedged between the ilium, ischium, and pubis at their point of junction and helping to form the acetabulum is a small irregular bone, the acetabular bone (IV). In the adult cat these four parts are united into a single bone which is nevertheless usually described, ignoring the acetabular piece, as made up of ilium (Fig. 55, I), ischium (II), and pubis (III).

The ilium (I) is somewhat contracted at the middle and broader at its ends. One end enters into the acetabulum (Fig. 55, d) and forms about one-fifth the articular surface. This end is also the thickest part of the bone. The lateral surface of the ilium is concave for the attachment of muscles. The medial surface is smooth over its acetabular half and rough over its sacral half. The rough portion is marked at its junction with the smooth portion by the ear-shaped auricular impression by which the bone articulates directly with the sacrum. The caudal half of that part of the medial surface craniad of the auricular impression gives attachment to the ilio-sacral ligaments which bind the ilium to the sacrum. The dorsal border is straight at its cranial end and concave and rounded at its caudal end. Between the two portions and at the dorsal edge of the auricular surface is a protuberance corresponding to the posterior inferior spine (Fig. 55, b) of the human ilium. The concavity of the dorsal border (c) corresponds to the great sciatic notch of the human ilium. At its caudal end is the short spine of the ischium (e), which is not a part of the ilium. The ventral border of the ilium is broad caudad, becoming narrower craniad. The lateral margin of the ventral border is continued to a tuberosity at the edge of the acetabulum; its medial margin is called the iliopectineal line (l) and extends on the pubis to the symphysis. An eminence, the iliopectineal eminence (l'), on the iliopectineal line, lies opposite to the acetabulum at about the junction of the ilium and pubis. The cranial end of the bone is thickened, forming the crest (a) of the ilium. At the junction of the crest with the ventral border is a projection, the anterior superior process (m) of human anatomy.

The pubis (III) (including the acetabular bone) enters into the formation of the acetabulum (d) constituting about one-sixth the circumference, but less than one-sixth its area. It may be described as a flat, curved bone, contracted at the middle and expanded at the ends. The dorsal end enters into the acetabulum; the ventral end unites with the opposite bone at the symphysis pubis and sends caudad a projection, the ramus (i) of the pubis, which unites with the ramus of the opposite bone to form about two-thirds of the entire symphysis. At the sides of the symphysis a slightly marked angle projects craniad from each of the pubic bones; these two together constitute the pubic tubercle (k), for the origin of the rectus abdominis muscle. The surfaces of the ramus are smooth. One of its borders is concave and enters into the formation of the obturator foramen (j). Another of its borders is the iliopectineal line (l). Its third border is rough for the symphysis.

The ischium (II) has the form of a triangular prism contracted at the middle. Its cranial end forms nearly two-thirds of the acetabulum. Its caudal end bears dorsad a rough thickening, the tuberosity of the ischium (g). From the caudal half of the ventral border of the bone a sickle-shaped process, the ramus (h) of the ischium, curves medioventrad and then craniad and joins the ramus of the pubis. Its medial border is rough and enters into the symphysis, forming the caudal one-third. The lateral angle of the bone is rounded. Its dorsal angle is marked near the cranial end by the spine (e) of the ischium. The concavity between this spine and the tuberosity corresponds to the lesser sciatic notch (f) of human anatomy.

The acetabulum (d) is cup-shaped. The ventral one-sixth of its border is deficient and a broad groove extends from the deficiency to the bottom of the cup. The deficiency, incisura acetabuli, or acetabular notch (d'), is closed naturally by a ligament, and the groove gives origin to the ligament (ligamentum teres) which attaches the head of the femur.

Fig. 56.—Left Femur, Ventral Side.

a, head; b, neck; c, depression for round ligament; d, great trochanter; e, trochanteric fossa; f, intertrochanteric line; g, lesser trochanter; h, linea aspera; i, medial condyle; j, lateral condyle; k, intercondyloid fossa; l, lateral epicondyle.

Femur

(Fig. 56).—The femur is the proximal bone of the posterior extremity. It consists of enlarged proximal and distal ends connected by a nearly cylindrical shaft. The proximal end presents on its medial side a hemispherical head (a) which fits into the acetabulum. It is supported by a neck (b) which is contracted near the head and expanded dorsoventrally where it joins the remainder of the bone. The medial surface of the head presents near its ventral border a depression (c) for the insertion of the round ligament of the femur. Ventrad the articular surface of the head extends as an acute projection onto the shaft, so that the whole articular surface appears somewhat pear-shaped. On the lateral side of the proximal end opposite the head is a projecting mass, the great trochanter (d), forming the end of the shaft. On the medial side of the great trochanter at its junction with the neck is a deep fossa, the trochanteric fossa or digital fossa (e) for the insertion of muscles. From the ventral surface of the great trochanter a ridge, the intertrochanteric line (f), is continued distad, ending in a pyramidal projection, the lesser trochanter (g), which serves for the insertion of muscles. A second ridge is continued to the lesser trochanter from the neck. A slight but well-marked ridge, the spiral ridge or line, runs round two sides of the neck parallel to the second ridge.

The shaft is nearly straight and cylindrical. A rough line is continued along its ventral surface from the lesser trochanter, and a similar line along its lateral surface from the greater trochanter; these unite ventrad to form the linea aspera (h). On its ventral surface is a nutrient foramen, directed proximad.

The shaft gradually widens distad and ends in two condyles (i and j) which are continuous dorsad but separated ventrad by a deep notch, the intercondyloid fossa (k). The distal surface of the shaft and condyles is articular. This articular surface is larger on the lateral condyle (j). The part of the articular surface on the end of the shaft (patellar surface) is for the patella; that part of it on the condyles and separated by the notch is for the tibia.

On the lateral surface of the lateral condyle is a slight prominence, the lateral epicondyle (l), and on the medial surface of the medial condyle is another prominence, the medial epicondyle; both are for the attachment of ligaments.

Patella

(Fig. 1, r).—The patella is a small flat bone with a pear-shaped outline, having its apex distad. It lies against the articular surface at the lower end of the shaft of the femur. It thus covers the knee-joint. The inner surface is smooth and convex from side to side, but concave in a proximodistal line. It fits against the lower end of the femur. Its outer surface is rough and concave. It is a sesamoid bone inserted in the tendon of the quadriceps femoris muscle.

Three other sesamoid bones are found in the region of the knee (see Fig. 61, p. 89). Two are in the tendons of the gastrocnemius muscle, proximad of the two condyles of the femur. The third is in the tendon of the popliteus muscle, just laterad of the lateral condyle of the femur.

Tibia

(I, Fig. 57).—The tibia is the longer of the two bones of the leg between the knee and the ankle, and is the longest bone of the body. It has a triangular shaft and enlarged proximal and distal ends.

The proximal end is curved ventrad and projects into two prominences, the tuberosities, on either side. Each tuberosity bears on its proximal end an articular facet for the condyles of the femur; these are known respectively as the lateral and medial condyles (a and b) of the tibia. The condyles are oval, convex dorsoventrad, and concave from side to side. The two condyles are separated at the middle of their contiguous margins by a bicuspid projection, the spine of the tibia (c). They are continuous dorsad, but separated ventrad by a deep notch between the tuberosities, the popliteal notch. On the distal side of the lateral condyle is an elongated facet for the proximal end of the fibula.

The shaft is triangular, smallest at about its middle and enlarged at both ends. It presents dorsal, medial, and lateral borders, and medial, lateral, and ventral surfaces. The lateral surface is concave proximad. The medial surface is convex. The two are continuous at the distal end. At their proximal ends the border separating them is raised into a prominent ridge, the crest (d) of the tibia, the proximal end of which contributes to increase the proximal surface of the bone, and presents an oblong tubercle (e) for the insertion of the ligamentum patellÆ (ligament of the quadriceps femoris muscle). The ventral surface is concave proximad where it abuts upon the tuberosities. Its proximal half is crossed by two rough parallel lines, the distal one of which crosses in a spiral course from the lateral to the medial border; near its beginning is a nutrient foramen.

The distal end extends farther distad on its medial side. The extension is the medial malleolus (f). The malleolus presents two grooves on its medial surface for the tendons of muscles. On the lateral side of the distal end is an oblique triangular facet for the distal end of the fibula. The ventral surface of the distal end presents an oblique border which passes from the apex of the malleolus proximolaterad. The dorsal surface extends into a V-shaped projection (g) between the malleolus and the fibular facet. The distal end presents an oblique ridge running from the apex of the V-shaped extension of the dorsal surface to near the base of the medial malleolus. The ridge and the concavities on either side of it, the medial one of which is deeper, fit against the proximal trochlear surface of the astragalus.

Fibula

(II, Fig. 57).—The fibula lies at the lateral side of the tibia in the shank. It is a slender triangular bone with enlarged proximal and distal ends.

The proximal end or head (h) is flattened. It bears a facet on its proximomedial surface for articulation with the tibia, and is longitudinally grooved on the outer surface.

The shaft has a very sharp medial border. This border is turned toward the tibia and gives attachment to the interosseous membrane, which runs between the tibia and fibula.

The distal end is expanded to form the lateral malleolus (i). This bears a facet on the proximal portion of its medial surface near its dorsal margin, for the tibia, and distad of this is a second facet for the astragalus. The ventral and lateral surfaces are grooved for tendons.

Tarsus

(Fig. 58).—The tarsus consists of seven bones. The longest of these, lying on the lateral side of the foot and forming the support of the heel, is the calcaneus or os calcis (a). It articulates distad with a bone, the cuboid (c), which bears the fourth and fifth metatarsals. Lying between the calcaneus and the tibia is the astragalus or talus (b), the distal end of which articulates with the boat-shaped navicular or scaphoid (d). The scaphoid bears on its distal surface the three cuneiform bones, lateral (e), medial (g), and intermediate, bearing the rudiment of the first metatarsal and the second and third metatarsals.

Astragalus. (Talus BNA) (Fig. 58, b).—The astragalus may be divided into body, neck, and head. The body is marked on its proximal surface by a deep pulley-like groove for the articulation with the distal end of the tibia, and on its lateral and medial surfaces by curved facets for articulation with the malleoli of the tibia and fibula. This entire surface for articulation with the bones of the leg is known as the trochlea. The lower surface is marked by two facets separated by a groove; these are for articulation with corresponding facets on the calcaneus. Distally the bone contracts to form the neck and enlarges at the end, forming the head, which is smooth on its distal surface for articulation with the navicular or scaphoid.

Calcaneus (Fig. 58, a, and Fig. 59).—The calcaneus (os calcis) is the largest bone of the foot and forms the heel. It is two or three times as long as broad and has six surfaces: dorsal, ventral, medial, lateral, proximal, and distal. The proximal one-half of the dorsal surface (Fig. 59) is smooth, while the distal half is broadened and bears two facets which are separated by a groove. These articulate with the corresponding facets on the astragalus. The medial facet is borne on a projection of the bone, the sustentaculum tali (c). Distad of the facets the surface is rough. The ventral surface is smooth. The proximal end (b) is grooved for the tendon of Achilles. The lateral surface is smooth and marked by a grooved tubercle, the peroneal tubercle (d), near the distal end. The medial surface is marked by part of the articular facet for the astragalus, and also by the grooved sustentaculum tali. The distal end (a) articulates with the cuboid.

Cuboid. Os cuboideum (Fig. 58, c).—The cuboid has somewhat the form of a cube and articulates by its proximal end with the calcaneus (a), and by its distal end with the fourth and fifth metatarsals. Its medial surface articulates with the scaphoid (d) and lateral cuneiform (e). The ventral surface is marked near its distal end by an oblique ridge, distad of which is a deep groove, the peroneal groove (h), for the tendon of the peroneus longus muscle.

Scaphoid. (Os naviculare pedis BNA) (Fig. 58, d).—The scaphoid is a boat-shaped bone. Its proximal surface is marked by a concave facet for the head of the astragalus (b), and its distal surface has three facets for the lateral (e), intermediate and medial (g) cuneiform bones. At the junction of the ventral with the medial surface is a prominent tubercle. The lateral surface bears two linear facets for articulation with the calcaneus (a) and cuboid (c).

Lateral Cuneiform. Ectocuneiform. Os cuneiforme tertium BNA (Fig. 58, e).—The lateral cuneiform is a wedge-shaped bone with a hooked process extending from the ventral sharp angle of the bone. It articulates by its proximal end with the scaphoid (d), and by its distal end with the third metatarsal. The medial surface bears near its distal end two facets for the second metatarsal, and on its proximal end a facet for the intermediate cuneiform. The caudal surface has a facet on its proximal end for the cuboid (c).

Intermediate Cuneiform. Mesocuneiform. Os cuneiforme secundum BNA.—The intermediate cuneiform is small and wedge-shaped, with the base of the wedge dorsad. It lies between the lateral cuneiform and the medial cuneiform, articulates by its proximal end with the middle facet of the scaphoid, and bears on its distal end the second metatarsal. It is not visible in ventral view.

Medial Cuneiform. Entocuneiform. Os cuneiforme primum BNA (Fig. 58, g).—The medial cuneiform lies on the medial side of the foot. It is a flat triangular bone about twice as long as broad, and broader at its proximal end than at the distal end. It bears on its distal end the rudimentary first metatarsal. The proximal end is oblique and bears a concave facet for the lateral distal facet of the scaphoid (d). The lateral surface has a concave facet at its proximal end for the intermediate cuneiform, while the distal portion is applied against the medial surface of the second metatarsal.

Bones of the Foot or Pes

(Fig. 58).—Metatarsals. Metatarsus (Fig. 58, 1-5).—The metatarsals are five in number. They bear a close resemblance to the metacarpals, but they may be distinguished by their bases.

The first metacarpal (1) is rudimentary and conical. Its base has a facet for the distal end of the medial cuneiform (g), while the outer surface fits into a depression on the inner surface of the base of the second metatarsal.

The second (2). The proximal surface of the base is triangular, corresponding to the distal end of the intermediate cuneiform. The medial surface is marked by two concavities, one along the proximal border for the distal end of the medial cuneiform, and one distad of this for the first metatarsal. The lateral surface bears on the proximal margin an oblique triangular facet dorsad and a similar facet ventrad, both for the lateral cuneiform (e). Distad of these facets is a rough ridge.

The third (3). The proximal end of its base is a triangular facet with the apex directed ventrad and the sides excavated. It is for the distal end of the lateral cuneiform (e). Its medial surface presents a depression which receives the ridge of the second metatarsal. On the lateral surface a short distance distad of the proximal border is a triangular concave facet, and near the proximal border ventrad a second concave facet. Both are for the fourth metatarsal.

The fourth (4). The proximal end is convex, notched medially and facetted for the cuboid (c). Its medial surface bears dorsad, a short distance from its proximal end, a smooth tubercle, and ventrad a small convex facet. Both articulate with facets on the lateral surface of the third metatarsal. The lateral surface has a sinuous facet along its dorsal border, and ventrad of this a depression. There is a second facet along the ventral border. Both facets are for the fifth metatarsal, and the depression is for ligaments.

The fifth (5) has its base flattened and expanded so as to be wedge-shaped, with the apex of the wedge directed proximad. Its dorsal end extends into a tubercle. It thus presents only lateral and medial surfaces. The medial surface shows two tubercles, one distad of the other. The distal tubercle and the distal half of the proximal tubercle are facetted and fit into the sinuous facet on the fourth metatarsal. A narrow facet on the ventral border of the surface articulates with the facet on the ventral border of the lateral surface of the fourth metatarsal. The proximal half of the distal tubercle is facetted for the cuboid (c). The lateral surface is smooth, non-articular, and obliquely grooved.

Phalanges (Fig. 58, i, j, k).—There are three phalanges in each of the four digits, and these are almost identical with those described for the manus.

Sesamoid Bones. Ossa sesamoidea (Fig. 58, l).—The sesamoid bones are found at the joints between the metatarsals and phalanges, and are in all respects like those of the manus.

JOINTS AND LIGAMENTS OF THE PELVIC LIMBS.

Ligaments of the Pelvis.—The ilium and sacrum are articulated at the auricular facet of the ilium and the corresponding rough surface of the sacrum. The joint is an amphiarthrosis, permitting very little movement. A capsular ligament surrounds the articular surface, being attached to the bones about its circumference; it is short and strong. Craniad of the capsule is a thick very short ligament, composed of very strong transverse fibres passing from the rough surface of the sacrum to the corresponding rough surface of the ilium. This forms the lateral iliosacral ligament, which is united at its caudal border to the capsule.

A strong, wide ligamentous band passes from the dorsal border of the ilium to the sides of the sacrum. This is indistinctly subdivided into several bands, which together represent the long and short posterior iliosacral ligaments of man.

Symphysis pelvis.—The medial borders of the pubis and ilium meet in the middle line ventrad of the pelvis and are here united by cartilage. The joint is strengthened by numerous small bands which pass across the line of junction from one side to the other; these occur on both surfaces.

The Hip-joint.—The hip-joint is an enarthrosis, or ball-and-socket joint in which more than half the spherical head of the femur is received into the acetabulum. The depth of the acetabulum is increased by a rim of fibrocartilage about its margin, forming the labrum glenoidale. This passes across the acetabular notch, forming the transverse ligament of the acetabulum; beneath it blood-vessels and nerves pass into the acetabular cavity.

The capsule of the joint is large and loose. It is attached about the margin of the acetabulum, and passes over the head of the femur, to be attached to the bone several millimeters distad of the head. It thus encloses both the head and the neck of the femur.

The ligamentum teres, or round ligament, is a very strong, short ligament which passes from the depression in the head of the femur to the bottom of the acetabulum.

The Knee-joint (Figs. 60 and 61).—The joint between the femur and the tibia is very complex. The surfaces of the condyles of the femur do not correspond to those of the condyles of the tibia. Between the ends of the two bones are placed two disks of cartilage, the menisci, or semilunar cartilages (Fig. 60, c and d; Fig. 61, a and b), of such a form that the congruity of articular surfaces is restored. Each meniscus has a proximal surface corresponding to the form of one of the condyles of the femur, and a distal surface corresponding to a condyle of the tibia. The menisci are held in position by ligaments. The knee-joint permits not only backward and forward movement, but also a small amount of rotary motion.

The joint has two capsules, one on the dorsal (convex) side, the other on the ventral side. The two communicate only by a small passageway lying within the joint between the ends of the bones. The dorsal one is attached to the femur several millimeters proximad of the patellar surface and some distance on each side of the latter. The patella is imbedded in its outer wall, and it is attached to the tibia on the edges of the articular surface of the latter, from the crest to the tuberosities. The capsule is also attached laterally and medially to the sides of the menisci, and is closely united to the patellar ligaments. Its cavity contains a mass of yellow fat.

The ventral capsule is attached to the borders of the articular surfaces of the femur and tibia on their ventral sides, to the menisci, and to the epicondyles of the femur and the tuberosities of the tibia. Its walls are stronger and its cavity smaller than those of the dorsal capsule.

The ligaments of the knee-joint (Figs. 60 and 61), aside from the capsules, may be classified into: (1) those which are connected with the patella; (2) collateral ligaments (Fig. 60, i and j), which pass from the epicondyles directly distad along the sides of the joint to the tibia or fibula; (3) crucial ligaments (Fig. 60, g and h; Fig. 61, c and d), which cross within the joint from one side of the femur to the opposite side of the tibia; (4) ligaments which hold the menisci in place (Fig. 60, e and f; Fig. 61, e and f).

(1) Ligaments of the Patella.—The patella is imbedded in the dorsal wall of the dorsal capsule of the joint. From its distal end a strong tendon or ligament passes distad to the crest of the tibia. This is known as the ligamentum patellÆ: it may be considered a part of the tendon of M. quadriceps femoris. On the lateral side the capsule of the joint is strengthened by the transverse fibres of the tendon of M. plantaris, which aid in holding the patella in place.

(2) Collateral Ligaments.—Of these there are two. The ligamentum collaterale fibulare (Fig. 60, j) is attached to the lateral epicondyle of the femur and passes distad across the tendon of the plantaris muscle to the head of the fibula. Dorsad of the fibular ligament and parallel with it passes the tendon of origin of the extensor longus digitorum. The ligamentum collaterale tibiale (Fig. 60, i; Fig. 61, g) begins on the medial epicondyle of the femur and passes distad to the lateral tuberosity of the tibia; part of it passes one to one and a half centimeters distad of the tuberosity to be attached to a rough ridge on the side of the tibia.

(3) Crucial Ligaments.—There are two of these also. The ligamentum cruciatum anterius, or anterior crucial ligament (Fig. 60, g; Fig. 61, c), is a thick, strong ligament which begins on the dorsal part of the proximal end of the tibia nearer the medial side (Fig. 60, g), and passes ventrad and proximad, between the ends of the two bones forming the joint, into the intercondyloid fossa of the femur, and becomes attached to the medial surface of the lateral condyle of the femur (Fig. 61, c). It is composed of two partially separated bands, forming a slight angle with one another. It is crossed near its dorsal and ventral ends by two of the ligaments of the menisci. The ligamentum cruciatum posterius, or posterior crucial ligament (Fig. 60, h; Fig. 61, d), begins on the tibia at the edge of the popliteal notch (Fig. 61, d), nearer the medial side, and passes dorsad and proximad to be attached to the ventral edge of the patellar surface of the femur, in the intercondyloid fossa (Fig. 60, h).

(4) Ligaments of the Menisci.—There are five of these, connecting the menisci with the femur or tibia. One (Fig. 60, e) passes from the dorsal edge of the medial meniscus (c) transversely across the anterior crucial ligament (g) to the proximal end of the tibia nearer the lateral side. A second (Fig. 60, f) passes from the dorsal margin of the lateral meniscus (d) transversely beneath the anterior crucial ligament (g) to the proximal end of the tibia nearer the ventral side and medial border. A third (Fig. 61, f) passes from the ventral margin of the lateral meniscus obliquely across the anterior crucial ligament (c) to the lateral side of the medial condyle of the femur. The fourth (Fig. 61, e) is small, passing from the medial angle of the ventral border of the lateral meniscus distad to the popliteal notch. The fifth passes from the ventral border of the medial meniscus laterad beneath the posterior crucial ligament to the proximal end of the tibia, nearer the ventral and lateral sides.

Articulations between the Tibia and Fibula.—At the proximal end the fibula is as it were suspended from the distal side of the overhanging lateral tuberosity of the tibia by strong ligamentous tissue. The capsule of the joint is formed by an extension of the capsule of the knee-joint which passes between the tibia and fibula on the ventral side. Forming the dorsolateral wall of this extension is a strong, thick ligament which passes directly from the head of the fibula to the lateral surface of the lateral tuberosity of the tibia. A second more delicate ligament passes from the head of the fibula dorsoproximad to the tubercle laterad of the crest of the tibia, bridging a groove through which passes the tendon of M. extensor longus digitorum.

The tibia and fibula are connected throughout their length by an interosseus membrane. This is broad and very thin in its proximal part, narrower and thicker distad.

Distad the two malleoli forming the ends of the fibula and tibia are closely and immovably united. The capsule of the joint is here an extension proximad of the capsule of the articulation with the astragalus. On the dorsal side a short broad band of strong fibres passes from the surface of the tibia obliquely laterodistad to the border of the fibula; this forms the anterior ligament of the lateral malleolus. On the ventral side a very much weaker set of fibres forms the ventral wall of the articular capsule; it is called the posterior ligament of the lateral malleolus. Tibia and fibula are also connected on the dorsal side by the ligamentum transversum cruris, or transverse ligament of the lower leg (Fig. 91, 5), which spans the tendons of Mm. extensor longus digitorum and tibialis anterior. From the middle of the distal margin of this a slender supporting ligament passes distad and is inserted on the dorsal surface of the tarsus. The grooves in the two malleoli for the passage of the tendons are spanned by ligamentous fibres (retinacula) for holding the tendons in place.

Articulation between the Leg and the Foot.—At the distal end there is formed between the two malleoli a deep irregular fossa, into which is received the trochlea of the astragalus. The joint is covered by a large articular capsule, which passes also, as above noted, between the tibia and fibula. In addition to the capsule the following ligaments may be distinguished: (a) On the lateral side, (1) a short ligament from the fibula to the astragalus, directed toward the proximal end of the foot; (2) a ligament from the fibula to the calcaneus, attached to the latter proximad of the peroneal tubercle; (3) a stronger ligament from the fibula to the calcaneus, lying beneath the last-mentioned and directed toward the proximal end of the bone. (b) On the medial side may be distinguished (1) a strong ligament from the tibia (medial malleolus) to the sustentaculum tali, and passing thence onto the scaphoid; (2) a short ligament from the medial malleolus to the astragalus.

The Tarsus.—The articulations between the separate bones of the tarsus and between the tarsus and metatarsus have a considerable number of variously communicating articular capsules. The separate bones are connected by many ligaments. The ligaments of the ventral surface (ligamenta plantaria) are especially well developed. Here may be noticed particularly a very large calcaneocuboid ligament, and a large calcaneocuneiform ligament which passes from the sustentaculum tali to the medial cuneiform. Those on the dorsal surface (ligamenta dorsalia) are less strong and numerous. Many ligaments, longitudinal, transverse, and oblique, pass also between the separate bones (ligamenta interossea). Ligamenta lateralia, on the lateral and medial borders of the foot, are also distinguishable. Strauss-Durckheim enumerates ninety-four ligaments of the tarsus; an account of each of these does not form part of the plan of the present work.

The ligaments of the metatarsus and phalanges are of the same general character as in the forelimb. Of these Strauss-Durckheim enumerates thirty-six; they will not be described here.