ANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -The first cervical vertebra is a bony ring with a thin anterior arch and posterior laminae, which are joined by lateral masses having articular facets that articulate with the occipital condyles superiorly and the lateral masses of C2 inferiorly.

Detailed explanation-2: -Introduction. 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.

Detailed explanation-3: -The first vertebra (C1) is the ring-shaped atlas that connects directly to the skull. This joint allows for the nodding or “yes” motion of the head. The second vertebra (C2) is the peg-shaped axis, which has a projection called the odontoid, that the atlas pivots around.

Detailed explanation-4: -The C1 atlas is the uppermost cervical vertebra of the spine. It supports the head and-along with the C2 axis, the cervical vertebra just below it-allows the head to nod and rotate from side to side. At birth, children have softer bones. That is true of the C1 atlas as well.

Detailed explanation-5: -The C1 and C2 vertebrae are the first two vertebrae of the cervical spine. They are also called the atlas and axis vertebrae.