Hippopotamus Axis Vertebra

3D Model

This specimen is the second cervical vertebra or axis of a juvenile Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) that was given to the Lapworth Museum by Russell Coope. The second of two vertebrae that connect the skull to the rest of the vertebral column, the large, heavily textured neural spine of this vertebra provides a strong attachment point for large muscles that support the skull. The specialised form of this vertebra allows the axis to swivel around it, affording a greater range of motion to the skull.

This specimen was digitised by Jack Mayer Wood using an Artec 3D scanner, and is part of a collection of bones from this individual hippo that have been digitised.