Vertebral column of the calamian deer Cervus (Axis) calamianensis
1992
Maala, C.P. | Arca, R.R. | Bravo, M.V.A. | Villamor, C. | Marte, R.G.
The vertebral column of the Calamian deer, Cervus (Axis) calamianensis consists of seven cervical, thirteen thoracic, six lumbar and five sacral vertebrae. Only four caudal vertebrae were recovered but were not described. The atlas is small. Its caudal processes and wings are less developed. The axis presents a wedge-like spinous process. Its ventral spine is well-developed. The sixth cervical vertebrae differs from the third, fourth, fifth, and seventh vertebrae because of its transverse process having a plate-like ventral part directed ventrally and slightly laterally. The seventh cervical vertebrae has the tallest spinous process. Its transverse process is unbranched and projects laterally and slightly caudally. The spinous processes of the thoracic vertebrae are thin. Their bodies are short and constricted at the middle. The fused lumbar vertebrae is triangular in shape. The first is not completely fused with the other sacral vertebrae, even in adult animals. The vertebrae of the Calamian deer do not differ significantly from those of other Philippine deers (Cervus mariannus, C. unicolor), sheep and goat.
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