The axis has a dens, which provides a pivot for the atlas.
The axis is the second cervical vertebra (C2) and has a unique feature called the odontoid process or dens, which projects superiorly from its body. This structure allows the atlas (C1) to pivot around the axis, enabling the movement of the head from side to side.
Atlaswrong . the correct answer is axis (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Axis_(anatomy)) "It forms the pivot upon which the first cervical vertebra (the atlas), which carries the head, rotates."
There is rotation of head around the dens of the axis. Dens is actually derived from the body of the atlas vertebra.
The second cervical vertebra (C2), also called the axis, has a projection on it's superior surface called a dens that creates a pivot joint with the vertebra above it (C1), also known as the atlas. The pivot joint between these two vertebra allows 45 degrees of rotation in each direction, which is half the possible rotation of the head.
The dens is found on the second cervical vertebra only.
Since the dens is part of the Axis vertebra (and project up in the first vertebra, the Atlas vertebra that supports the skull) it is called the Dens Axis
2nd cervical vertebra (axis) has dens (also called odontoid process).
densThe Dens of the second Vertebrae.
An anterior, vertical projection on the axis vertebra. Only C2 has this structure.
The axis is the second cervical vertebra (C2) and has a unique feature called the odontoid process or dens, which projects superiorly from its body. This structure allows the atlas (C1) to pivot around the axis, enabling the movement of the head from side to side.
Atlaswrong . the correct answer is axis (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Axis_(anatomy)) "It forms the pivot upon which the first cervical vertebra (the atlas), which carries the head, rotates."
When the head is moved from side to side, the first vertebra (atlas) pivots around the dens (odontoid process) of the second vertebra (axis). This motion allows for the rotation and flexibility of the neck.
The dens, or odontoid process, of the axis (the second cervical vertebra) serves as a pivot point around which the atlas (the first cervical vertebra) rotates. This structure allows for a significant range of motion in the head, particularly during rotation. Additionally, the dens provides stability to the cervical spine by anchoring the atlas and preventing excessive movement that could lead to injury.
The name of the second vertebrae is called the axis.
There is rotation of head around the dens of the axis. Dens is actually derived from the body of the atlas vertebra.
The second cervical vertebra (C2), also called the axis, has a projection on it's superior surface called a dens that creates a pivot joint with the vertebra above it (C1), also known as the atlas. The pivot joint between these two vertebra allows 45 degrees of rotation in each direction, which is half the possible rotation of the head.
Pivot means to turn. A pivot joint turns around a ring. The best example is the ring of bone that the atlas vertebra makes and the "finger" of the dens vertebra. The joint allows us to turn our heads. The atlas holds the head. In mythology Atlas held the world on his shoulders. The dens is called this because it has a "tooth" like structure. (dens as in dental).