It is the the most superior (first) cervical vertebra of the spine.
The atlas articulates with the axis. The atlas is the first cervical vertebra and articulates with the skull superiorly, and the axis (the second cervical vertebra) inferiorly. The joint between the atlas and axis, dubbed the atlanto-axial joint, is responsible for the increased range of motion of the skull (turning your head left/right, and nodding up/down).The order of the atlas and axis can be remembered because, beginning from the skull, these two cervical vertebrae are in alphabetical order (aTlas then aXis).
occipital
The uppermost vertebrae is called the atlas. It is the first cervical vertebra located at the top of the spine, just below the skull. It is named after the Greek Titan Atlas, who held up the celestial spheres.
The first vertebra of the vertebral column is called the atlas. It is named after the Greek titan Atlas who was said to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders, as the atlas supports the weight of the skull.
Occipital condyles
The occipital bone of the skull articulates with the atlas, which is the first cervical vertebra. This joint allows for the nodding motion of the head.
The occipital condyles allow the head to turn side to side.
The atlas is the first cervical vertebra (C1). It is named this because it is a large ring and holds the base of the skull. Atlas carried the "world on his shoulders" and the name fit.
the two vertebra that attach the skull to the spine are the axis and atlas also referred to as C1 and C2
The Atlas is designed to allow a nodding movement, whilst the axis below it has the odontoid peg on it to allow shaking, or rotational movement of the skull.
Yes. The skull sits on the top vertebra of your spine, called the atlas. If there is a strong enough trauma to the head, the skull can be moved off, or dislocated, from the atlas. Unfortunately, with enough force this causes fatal damage to the spinal cord/brain. But if there is a smaller dislocation, it can be survived.
It's the first cervical vertebra located just beneath the skull