The odontoid of the second cervical vertebrae (ie: the axis) forms a joint with the anterior ring of the first cervical vertebrae (ie: the atlas). This joint is primarily responsible for allowing the head to rotate from side to side as if you were nodding "no" to someone. See the related link for further information.
The Atlas will allow a nod (yes sign).
There is rotation of head around the dens of the axis. Dens is actually derived from the body of the atlas vertebra.
atlas (just remember: It is named for the Atlas of mythology, because it supports the globe of the head)
The atlanto-occipital joint. This is the articulation between the atlas (C1) and the occipital bone.
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.
The joint here is a synovial pivot joint allowing for rotation in the transverse plane. THis means its the joint that allows you to turn your head form side to side.
The atlas is the very top vertebra in your spine. The head or skull rests on it, and is allowed to move in many directions. The atlas sits upon the axis vertebra - between them, they allow much more rotational movement than do other vertebrae. Also, the actual brain stem extends down into the atlas/axis pair. The spinal cord begins at the bottom of the axis bone.
There is rotation of head around the dens of the axis. Dens is actually derived from the body of the atlas vertebra.
atlas (just remember: It is named for the Atlas of mythology, because it supports the globe of the head)
When Perseus, a Greek hero, took a mosters head and showed it to Atlas, the Titan god who holds up the sky. Atlas took one look at the head and, since it was so ugly, turned to stone. The head was the head of Medusa. Since Atlas was so big he turned into the Atlas mountain range.
Articulation of the head.
The atlanto-occipital joint. This is the articulation between the atlas (C1) and the occipital bone.
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.
The joint here is a synovial pivot joint allowing for rotation in the transverse plane. THis means its the joint that allows you to turn your head form side to side.
That was Atlas!! xx
Atlas
The atlas is the first vertebra of the spine and plays a critical role in supporting the skull and allowing for head movement. It also protects the spinal cord and nerves that pass through it. Maintaining the alignment and function of the atlas is crucial for overall spine health and proper nervous system function.
Perseus did this. He was flying by with his winged sandals and he saw Atlas holding up the sky. He felt sorry for Atlas and turned him into stone with Medusa's head. This is supposedly how Mount Atlas came about.