APPLIED RADIOLOGICAL ANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -The atlas is ring-shaped and has the important task of supporting the head. It’s also responsible for facilitating movement in head and neck. When you nod your head “yes, ‘’ that’s the atlas at work. It serves as a pivot, and it allows your head to move forward and backward.

Detailed explanation-2: -The atlas bone is a crucial bone in your neck. It’s the first one, and it serves the purpose of allowing your head to move backward and forward. Your occipital bone, which is the trapezoid-shaped bone located at the back of your cranium, rests on the atlas bone.

Detailed explanation-3: -But the name atlas was first used by the ancient Romans for the seventh cervical vertebra. The most common explanation why the first cervical vertebra is called atlas is that the vertebra holds up the globe of the cranium the way Atlas holds up the globe of the heavens.

Detailed explanation-4: -The atlas and the occipital bone form the atlanto-occipital joint, which allows neck flexion. When you nod your head as if to say “yes, ‘’ that is neck flexion. The atlas and axis form the atlanto-axial joint, which allows head rotation. If you shake your head as if to say “no, ‘’ that is head rotation.