Gross anatomical studies on vertebral column in white spotted deer (Axis axis)

The present study was conducted at department of veterinary anatomy and histology utilizing a 2.5 year old white spotted deer by wet method of maceration. The vertebral formula observed was C7 T13 L6 S5 Cy4 and the atlas was atypical, in the form of a ring with laterally projected wings and enclosed by large vertebral canal. At its anterior margin, the dorsal arch was perforated by intervertebral foramen on either side and was connected to the alar foramen. The body of the axis was longer and a wide dens was seen in its anterior aspect. The bodies of the thoracic vertebra were short with anterior convexity and posterior concavity which carried demifacets except in 13th and the dorsal spinous processes were long, thin, plate like and inclined backwards. The bodies of lumbar were constricted and comparatively longer with less convexity in the anterior and less concavity in the posterior. Anterior articular processes were strongly curved with concave facet on its medial aspect. The posterior articular processes were less curved and presented a flat facet ventrally to articulate with the succeeding lumbar vertebra. The sacrum was formed by fusion of five segments with three dorsal sacral foramina and four large ventral sacral foramina. In coccygeal vertebra, first three had neural ring, dorsal spine and articular process.