Ventral arch
Arcus ventralis
Definition
The ventral arch is the ventral portion of the atlas. It corresponds to a small part of the vertebral body present in the other vertebrae. (The greater part is incorporated into the dens and the cranial articular surfaces of the axis.)
Its concave dorsal surface forms the floor of the vertebral foramen. It has a cartilaginous surface, the fovea for dens, which articulates with the dens of the axis. This fossa extends to a transverse crest, which then gives way to a rough surface.
Its convex ventral surface bears a large tubercle, the ventral tubercle, which serves as a muscle attachment point.
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.
