SilesianTriassic

Sauropterygia cf. Nothosaurus

Middle Triassic, Lower Gogolin Beds, Upper Silesia, Poland

An example of a Sauropterygian vertebra centrum (likely Nothosaurus sp.). This is a well-preserved, large specimen (for this region). The first photo shows the vertebra in lateral view. A nutrient foramen (vascular opening) through which blood vessels entered the bone is visible upon closer inspection.

The second photo shows the articular surfaces for the neural arch – a dorsal view of the floor of the neural canal through which the spinal cord ran.

No visible transverse processes, ventral keel, or hemal goove. Smooth ventral and lateral surfaces, massive, barrel-shaped structure consistent with dorsal vertebral centra.

The specimen was prepared using a mixed method: mechanical and mild acetic acid. This allows for a detailed examination of the articular surface.