Dorsal arch
Arcus dorsalis
Definition
The dorsal arch is the dorsal part of the atlas. It is perforated on each side, at its cranial border, by the lateral vertebral foramen, which responds to the vertebral foramen.
Its convex dorsal surface bears in its center the remnant of a spinous process, the dorsal tubercle.
Its concave ventral surface forms the roof of the vertebral foramen.
References
Barone R. Anatomie comparée des mammifères domestiques, Tome 1, Ostéologie, 5th edition, Vigot, Paris, 2017.
Constantinescu GM, Schaller O. Illustrated veterinary anatomical nomenclature, 3rd Edition, Enke Verlag, Stuttgart, 2012.
