Atlas and Axis Video Questions

Identify the region of the skull that articulates with the atlas.

Occipital condyles The occipital condyles found on both sides of foramen magnum sit on top of the atlas, forming the atlanto-occipital joint

Identify the articulation site that allows us to rotate our head, e.g. shaking the head "no".

Atlas - axis The prominent projection known as dens on the axis forms a pivot joint with the atlas, allowing the atlas to rotate around the axis. The axis is a very sensible name for C2 since it serves as a central axis for rotation of the atlas.

What is the name of the first cervical vertebra?

Atlas he atlas is essentially a ring of bone. Its structure is highly specialized to articulate with the skull.

What is the name of the second cervical vertebra?

Axis C2 is known as the axis. It has a bony projection called the odontoid process that articulates with C1. C1 can pivot around C2, allowing us to rotate our head/shake head "no".

Identify the articulation site that allows us to nod our head "yes".

Occipital bone - atlas The padlike occipital condyles found on both sides of foramen magnum sit on top of the plate like superior articular processes of the atlas, forming the atlanto-occipital joint. The articular surfaces permit nodding of the head in a "yes" motion (flexion and extension).