The atlas and axis are among the cervical vertebrae.
C1 (Atlas) , and C2 ( Axis ) because they are unlike the rest of the Cervical vertebrae.
The cervical(neck) vertebrae. The joint formed by C1 and C2, also known as the atlas and axis.
The top two bones of the vertebrae are called the atlas and the axis. The atlas, or C1, supports the skull and allows for nodding movements, while the axis, or C2, enables rotational movement of the head. These two vertebrae are crucial for the flexibility and range of motion of the neck.
The two most superior vertebrae are CERVICAL vertebrae 1 and 2 (C1 and C2). They are also known as the Atlas (C1) and Axis (C2). These two vertebra join together to form the atlantoaxial joint, which helps with the movement of the neck. A structure on the axis called the dens (odontoid process) fits through a foramen (hole) in the atlas to join them together.
The rotation of the atlas on the axis (first two vertebrae)
The atlantoxial joint is formed by the first and second cervical vertebrae, known as the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) respectively. It allows for rotational movement of the head.
The atlas, also known as C1 sits on the axis, or C2. The dens of the axis projects through the vertebral foramen of the atlas and the vertebral facets come in contact with each other through cartilaginous discs between the two vertebrae.
C1 is called the atlas and C2 is called the axis
The smallest vertebrae in the human body are the cervical vertebrae, specifically the atlas (C1) and the axis (C2). The atlas supports the skull and allows for nodding movement, while the axis enables rotation of the head. These vertebrae are essential for the flexibility and mobility of the neck. Their small size is critical for their function in supporting the head while allowing a wide range of motion.
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 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).
Pivot joint formed between the atlas and the axis (first two vertebrae)