The large 'lumps' in the center are the concretions that enclosed most of the dorsal vertebrae. A slightly larger view of the main portion of the plesiosaurs body. This photo shows the base of the neck, just above where the upper limbs would have been. The neck in most elasmosaurs is about as long as the body and is composed of many relatively short, but tightly-interlocked cervical vertebrae. It is unlikely that these animals could twist their necks into the various contortions shown in many illustrations.
Some paddle bones are visible to the left of the gloved hand in the center of the picture.
Barbara begins the process of jacketing the plesiosaur paddle for removal. Dampened tissue paper and paper towels are pressed against the exposed bone to protect and cushion the material when the jacket is rolled over, and for the long trip back to it's new home in New Jersey. Ken works on the middle of the long neck of the plesiosaur. The remains of the body are to the left of the photo. In spite of it's length, the neck was relatively inflexible and was held straight out in front of the plesiosaur as it swam.