The C1 vertebra, also called atlas, is shaped like a ring. The C2 vertebra has an upward-facing long bony process called the dens. The dens forms a joint with the C1 vertebra and facilitates its turning motions, thereby allowing the head to turn in different directions.
Is the axis the C2 vertebrae?
The axis is
the second cervical vertebra
, commonly called C2. It is an atypical cervical vertebra with unique features and important relations that make it easily recognisable. Its most prominent feature is the odontoid process (or dens), which is embryologically the body of the atlas (C1)
1 , 2
.
Is the atlas the first or second vertebrae?
atlas: the
first cervical vertebra (C1)
, lying directly under the skull, through which the head articulates with the neck. The main connection to the vertebra below is a pivot around the odontoid process that is an upward projection of the body of the second cervical vertebra.
Which vertebrae is the atlas?
The Atlas (
the first cervical vertebra – C1
) differs from the other cervical vertebrae in that it has no body or spinous process. It is comprised of two bony arches with two bony masses laterally. It articulates with the Occiput above and C2 (the Axis) below.
Is atlas C1 or C2?
The upper cervical spine consists of
the atlas (C1) and the axis (C2)
. These first 2 vertebrae are quite different from the rest of the cervical spine (see the image below). The atlas articulates superiorly with the occiput (the atlanto-occipital joint) and inferiorly with the axis (the atlantoaxial joint).
Why are C1 and C2 special?
C1 and C2 Anatomy
The C1 and C2 vertebrae are
uniquely shaped and have vertebral foramen (spaces within the bone)
which allow the vertebral arteries and veins to reach through to the brain and supply it with blood. This unique formation is only seen in the cervical vertebrae.
What does C2 nerve control?
C1, C2, and C3 (the first three cervical nerves) help
control the head and neck
, including movements forward, backward, and to the sides. The C2 dermatome handles sensation for the upper part of the head, and the C3 dermatome covers the side of the face and back of the head.
Why can injuries at C1 or C2 be fatal?
Severe cases of spinal cord injury at C2 can be fatal
because breathing and other critical body functions may be impaired or stop
. Paralysis of the body below the injured region of the spinal cord may also occur in some cases.
Why is C1 Atlas?
C1 is called the atlas. It supports the head and is
named for the Greek god Atlas who was condemned to support the earth and its heavens on his shoulders
. … C2 is called the axis because the atlas rotates about the odontoid process of C2. The joint between the atlas and axis is a pivot that allows the head to turn.
What is the C spine?
About the cervical spine
The cervical spine refers
to the seven spinal bones (vertebrae) in the neck
. It supports the head and connects to the thoracic spine. Most of the ability to turn the head comes from the top two segments of the cervical spine.
Does C2 have a lateral mass?
The C2 vertebra consists of a body, paired pedicles,
lateral masses
(superior articulating facets), odontoid, pars interarticularis, inferior articulating facets, lamina, and bifid spinous process.
Does the C2 vertebrae have a body?
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.
Can you survive a C2 fracture?
Survival from a Hangman’s fracture is
relatively common
, and many people with C2 fractures walk into the doctor simply complaining of neck pain after an accident. In these more minor cases, C2 fractures may not impair the victim at all, and victims will only need a brace to heal.
What is above the atlas?
The Axis
: The Second Bone in Your Cervical Spine
The axis is positioned directly below the atlas and is also known as C2. Like the atlas, the axis is distinct in appearance and function from the rest of your vertebrae. Between C1 and C2, there two synovial joints called the atlanto-axial joint.
What makes the atlas unique?
C1 Anatomy
The C1, or first cervical vertebra, is commonly called the atlas due to its
unique position in the spine
. In Greek mythology, Atlas was the titan who held the Earth on his shoulders, just like the atlas holds the skull on top of the neck.
What is the function of atlas?
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
.
