_a_, Funicular part; _b_, wide portion; _c_, _d_, lamellar part; _e_,
interspinous ligaments; _1_, spinous process of first thoracic
vertebra; _2_, axis. (Ellenberger-Baum, Anat. d. Haustiere.)
]
The inferior common ligament is very strong in the lumbar region.
The intervertebral fibro-cartilages are thicker than in the horse.
The interspinous ligaments of the back and loins consist largely of
elastic tissue.
There are no intertransverse joints in the lumbar region.
=Pig.=—The ligamentum nuchæ is represented by a fibrous raphé and thin
layers of elastic tissue which extend between the cervical spines.
The atlanto-occipital and atlanto-axial joints resemble those of the
dog.
The interspinous ligaments of the neck are elastic.
=Dog.=—The ligamentum nuchæ consists of a small fibrous band which
extends from the spine of the axis to the anterior thoracic spines; it
may be regarded as a mere fibrous raphé between the right and left
muscles.
There are interspinous muscles instead of ligaments in the neck.
There are three ligaments in connection with the odontoid process. The
two alar ligaments (Ligamenta alaria) arise on either side of the
odontoid process, diverge, and end on either side of the foramen magnum.
The transverse ligament of the atlas (Ligamentum transversum atlantis)
stretches across the dorsal surface of the odontoid process and binds it
down on the ventral arch of the atlas, a bursa being interposed. It is
attached on either side to the lateral masses of the atlas.
The two capsules of the atlanto-occipital joint communicate with each
other, and usually with the capsule of the atlanto-axial joint also.