Gross morphological and sex wise morphometrical studies on the first, second and third thoracic vertebrae of blue bull (Boselaphus tragocamelus)

Abstract

The present study was carried out on the first, second and third thoracic vertebrae of six specimens of adult Blue bull (Boselaphus tragocamelus) of either sex. The first, second and third thoracic vertebrae were characterized by a long supraspinous process, cylindrical, but shorter centrum. The arch presented shallow notches and was perforated by intervertebral foramina at its caudal aspect. They also presented cranial and caudal facets on their bodies. The length and breadth of supra spinous processes was observed to increase up to T3. The transverse process was reported to be thick, strong that presented a rounded non-articular mammillary process and a facet ventrally that articulated with the facet of the tubercle of the corresponding rib. The dorsal supraspinous process presented two surfaces, two borders and a summit. The costal facets were placed on either side at the end of the articular extremities of the centrum. The cranial articular processes were represented by oval facets on the anterior part of the arch and faced upwards, whereas the caudal ones spring from the base of the dorsal supraspinous process. The Biometrical observations on different parameters of first, second and third thoracic vertebrae reflected significance (P