what bone is this?

kpk

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I'm assuming this is from a cow, but what exactly is this bone? I found one like this while walking a river the other day and didn't think anything of it at the time. The one I found was completely rounded off on the left side - looked really old. Probably about 15" long. This is the only picture I've found that looks similar....


1661909968292.png
 
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Correct. Vertebral body sits in the left of the picture, spinal canal next (the circular whole), then the spinous process to the right.
 
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kpk

kpk

WKR
Joined
Sep 25, 2014
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MN
Correct. Vertebral body sits in the left of the picture, spinal canal next (the circular whole), then the spinous process to the right.

I was thinking the hole must've been for the spinal cord when I was looking at it. But, that entire end was almost perfectly round, almost like someone had taken it to a belt sander. I suppose squirrels/mice could've chewed on it before it ended up in the river or something. It was just very odd to find it in the area I did.
 
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I'm assuming this is from a cow, but what exactly is this bone? I found one like this while walking a river the other day and didn't think anything of it at the time. The one I found was completely rounded off on the left side - looked really old. Probably about 15" long. This is the only picture I've found that looks similar....


View attachment 446935

A vertebrae with a long spinous process such as the one in the photo would suggest a bison thoracic vertebrae.

Google "bison thoracic vertebrae" and you will see it.

I have found several in an area that was a historic bison crossing on the Missouri RIver.

ClearCreek


 
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