SilesianTriassic

Sauropterygia indet.

Dating uncertain – Upper Röt or Lower Muschelkalk (Anisian)

Upper Silesia, Poland

This is a beautiful vertebral specimen, interesting for at least several reasons.

Despite erosion, this nearly complete vertebra provides an excellent illustration of vertebral morphology. The preserved features and processes appear consistent with the general anatomy of Sauropterygia (Nothosaurus sp. for example).

The prezygapophyses and spinous process have eroded away; however, the postzygapophyses are well preserved, allowing confident orientation of the vertebra. The anterior articular surface of the centrum is exposed.

The neural arch is fractured transversely and slightly displaced – likely a result of processes that occurred some 240 million years ago… A small detail that introduces a bit of drama to the scene 🙂

At the center of the vertebra, we can observe the neural canal, enclosed by the vertebral centrum below and the neural arch above. On either side of the centrum, we see robust lateral processes associated with the neural arch. Such robust articular surfaces may indicate that this vertebra originated from a mechanically loaded region of the spine.

Further preparation will be necessary to determine its more precise position within the vertebral column.