Occipital condyles
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).
The cervical vertebra that is unique because it does not have a body is the first cervical vertebra, known as the atlas. The atlas supports the skull and allows for nodding movements of the head. Its distinctive structure includes a ring-like formation with lateral masses, which enables it to articulate with the occipital condyles of the skull. This design is crucial for the flexibility and range of motion of the neck.
The axis, or second cervical vertebra (C2), articulates with two bones: the atlas (C1), which is the first cervical vertebra, and the occipital bone of the skull. The joint between the atlas and axis allows for the rotation of the head, while the connection with the occipital bone facilitates nodding movements.
The region of the skull that articulates with the atlas is the occipital bone, specifically the occipital condyles. These condyles are oval-shaped projections located on either side of the foramen magnum at the base of the skull, allowing the atlas (the first cervical vertebra) to connect with the skull and facilitate nodding movements of the head.
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 bone that supports the skull is the atlas, which is the first cervical vertebra. It sits directly below the skull and allows for the nodding motion of the head. The atlas articulates with the occipital condyles of the skull, providing a crucial connection between the head and the spinal column.
The occipital condyles allow the head to turn side to side.
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.
It articulates with each vertebra. Plus the occipital bone of the skull and the 12 pairs of ribs.
The occipital condyles of the skull, which are located at the base of the occipital bone, are concave and articulate with the superior articular facets of the atlas (C1 vertebra) at the atlanto-occipital joint. This concave-convex articulation allows for flexion and extension movements of the head.
It is the the most superior (first) cervical vertebra of the spine.