(1) On the dorsal side of the centrum is the neural arch, through which the nerve cord or spinal cord passes.(2) In contrast to the cervical vertebral centra , the dorsal centrum is shorter and more mildly opisthocoelous.(3) Many of the vertebrae of the Ada Ophiacodon are represented by isolated centra or neural arches, or a suture clearly defines the boundary between these two elements.(4) Nearly all of the vertebrae within this sequence are complete, with the centra and neural arches fused.(5) Although this is a small specimen, fusion of the neural arches to the centra , as well as advanced ossification of the girdle elements indicate that the individual was an adult.
