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===Neck===
[[File:Okapi Giraffe Neck.png|thumb|200px|
The giraffe has an extremely elongated neck, which can be up to {{convert|2|m|abbr=on}} in length, accounting for much of the animal's vertical height.<ref name=Williams/>{{rp|29}} The long neck results from a disproportionate lengthening of the [[cervical vertebrae]], not from the addition of more vertebrae. Each cervical vertebra is over {{convert|28|cm|in|abbr=on}} long.<ref name=anatomy>{{cite book|author=Swaby, S.|year=2010|contribution=Giraffe|editor=Harris, T.|title=Mammal Anatomy: An Illustrated Guide|publisher=Marshall Cavendish Corporation|pages=64–84|isbn=0-7614-7882-5}}</ref>{{rp|71}} They comprise 52–54 percent of the length of the giraffe's [[vertebral column]], compared with the 27–33 percent typical of similar large ungulates, including the giraffe’s closest living relative, the [[okapi]].<ref name=bada>{{Cite journal | doi = 10.1111/j.1096-3642.2008.00458.x |last1=Badlangana |first1=L. N. |last2=Adams |first2=J. W. |last3=Manger |first3=P. R. | title = The giraffe ''(Giraffa camelopardalis)'' cervical vertebral column: A heuristic example in understanding evolutionary processes? | journal = Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society | volume = 155 | issue = 3 | pages = 736–57 | year = 2009}}</ref> This elongation largely takes place after birth, as giraffe mothers would have a difficult time giving birth to young with the same neck proportions as adults.<ref name=van>{{Cite journal | doi = 10.1002/jez.b.21353 |last1=Van Sittert |first1=S. J. |last2=Skinner |first2=J. D. |last3=Mitchell |first3=G. | title = From fetus to adult – An allometric analysis of the giraffe vertebral column | journal = Journal of Experimental Zoology Part B Molecular and Developmental Evolution | volume = 314B | issue = 6 | pages = 469–79 | year = 2010}}</ref> The giraffe's head and neck are held up by large muscles and a [[nuchal ligament]], which are anchored by long dorsal spines on the anterior [[thoracic vertebrae]], giving the animal a hump.<ref name="Dagg1971"/>
[[File:Flickr - Rainbirder - High-rise living.jpg|thumb|left|200px|An adult male giraffe feeding high up on an acacia]]
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