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→Trunk
=Trunk=
=Trunk=
The vertebrae within the trunk consist of a body, which encloses the vertebral foramen (through which the spinal cord and meninges run), a spinous process, and a transverse process, as well as articular processes by which they join together. The form of the spinous process varies with respect to species and region.The common pattern of canine landmarks, according to Dyce, Sack, et al, can be identified as:
[[Image:Spinal landmarks.jpg|center|500px|Spinal Landmarks - Copyright Becky Pocock 2008]]
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==Cervical Region==
[[Image:Cervical Vertebra.png|thumb|right|250px|Cervical Vertebra - Wikimedia Commons 2008]]
The first two cervical vertebrae are known as the '''atlas''' and the '''axis''' respectively, and are modified to allow movement of the head. The atlas has no conventional body, instead it is composed of two lateral masses joined by dorsal and ventral arches. The atlas and axis are fused in embryonic life. The '''wing of the atlas''' is the transverse process of this vertebra and allows the spinal column to articulate with the skull, by providing a resting place for the occipital condyles. The axis is the longest vertebra. The '''nuchal ligament''' connects the spinous process of the axis to the spinous process of the first thoracic vertebra (T1). The last (C7) cervical vertebra has a taller spinous process than those preceding it, and articulates with the first pair of ribs.
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=Forelimb=
=Forelimb=
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=Hindlimb=
=Hindlimb=