APPLIED RADIOLOGICAL ANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -The second cervical vertebra, the axis (C2), is the largest and heaviest cervical segment. The C2 vertebra arises from five or six separate ossification centers, depending on whether the centrum has one or two centers. The vertebral body is ossified at birth, and the posterior arch is partially ossified.

Detailed explanation-2: -Axis: The axis is the second cervical vertebra (symbol: C2). It is called the “axis” because the uppermost cervical vertebra (called the atlas) rotates about the odontoid process of C2. The joint between the axis and atlas is a pivot type of joint. It allows the head turn.

Detailed explanation-3: -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.

Detailed explanation-4: -C1 is the topmost vertebra that holds the skull while the C2 is the second topmost vertebra that provides an axis to rotate skull and C1 when the head moves side to side. Therefore, this is the key difference between C1 and C2. Atlas vertebra is a synonym of C1 while the axis vertebra is a synonym of C2.

Detailed explanation-5: -The vertebrae in this region, atlas C1 and axis C2, support your skull, allow you to turn and move your head, and protect your spinal cord. To put it simply, higher the injury on the spinal cord, the more damage and loss of function the individual will experience.