The Second Cervical vertebra, or Axis, has the odontoid process projecting from the upper surface of its body, which articulates with the anterior arch of the atlas. The superior articular surfaces are large and nearly circular, to correspond with the inferior articular processes of the atlas.

Fig. 29. - Axis.

The Seventh Cervical vertebra is called the vertebra prominens owing to the spine, which ends in a broad, single tubercle, and is markedly prominent at the root of the neck.

The Dorsal, or thoracic, vertebrae are characterized by having articular facets on their bodies for the heads of the ribs, and on the transverse processes for the tubercles of the ribs. The facets on the bodies are usually placed midway on adjacent bodies, so that a demi-facet is found on the upper and lower margins of bodies.