What is the function of the atlas and axis?

The atlas and axis support the head on the lower cervical spine while providing for considerable mobility in flexion, extension, rotation and lateral bending. The first two vertebrae also function as conduits for the cervical cord and vertebral arteries.

Where is the atlas and axis bone located?

vertebral column
The atlas and axis vertebrae are the two most superior bones in the vertebral column, and they are part of the seven cervical vertebrae. The atlas is the top-most bone, sitting just below the skull; it is followed by the axis. Together, they support the skull, facilitate neck movement, and protect the spinal cord.

What is the function of the axis bone?

Introduction. The Axis (C2 vertebra) also known as epistropheus forms the pivot upon which the first cervical vertebra (the Atlas), which carries the head, rotates. The axis is composed of a vertebral body, heavy pedicles, laminae, and transverse processes, which serve as attachment points for muscles.

What is the difference between the axis and the atlas where are they located?

The main difference between atlas and axis vertebrae is that atlas is the first cervical vertebra, which supports the skull whereas axis is the second cervical vertebra, which forms the pivot upon the atlas. Furthermore, atlas help to hold the head upright while axis allows the head to turn side to side.

What is the axis and atlas joint?

The atlantoaxial joint is a type of synovial joint that is classified as a biaxial, pivot joint. This joint resides in the upper part of the neck between the first and second cervical vertebrae, also known as the atlas and axis, respectively.

What is the difference between the axis and atlas?

The atlas is the first cervical (neck) vertebra which is just under the head; it is named for Atlas, the Greek god who supported the world on his shoulders. The axis is the second cervical vertebra; it has what is called the odontoid process about which the atlas rotates.

What features of the atlas and axis are unique?

The atlas and axis are specialized to allow a greater range of motion than normal vertebrae. They are responsible for the nodding and rotation movements of the head. The atlanto-occipital joint allows the head to nod up and down on the vertebral column.

Which part of the spine includes the atlas and axis?

Cervical Spine The first cervical vertebra (C1) is called the Atlas. The Atlas is ring-shaped and it supports the skull. C2 is called the Axis. It is circular in shape with a blunt tooth-like structure (called the Odontoid Process or dens) that projects upward into the Atlas.

What is the difference between atlas and axis vertebrae?

What makes the atlas and axis unique?

The atlas’s chief peculiarity is that it has no body. It is ring-like and consists of an anterior and a posterior arch and two lateral masses. The atlas and axis are important neurologically because the brainstem extends down to the axis.

Where is the axis located in the body?

Location and structure The axis is the second vertebra of the vertebral column, located in the superior portion of the cervical region of the spine. It articulates superiorly with the atlas, and inferiorly with the third cervical vertebra. The axis can be divided into anterior and posterior components.

Where is your atlas?

The atlas is the first cervical vertebra (C1) and the topmost vertebra of your spine. It is also the principal component of your so-called head joints.