APPLIED RADIOLOGICAL 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: -The atlas (plural: atlases) is the first cervical vertebra, commonly called C1. It is an atypical cervical vertebra with unique features. It articulates with the dens of the axis and the occiput, respectively allowing rotation of the head, and flexion, extension and lateral flexion of the head.

Detailed explanation-3: -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).

Detailed explanation-4: -The atlas is the first vertebra of the vertebral column, located in the most superior portion of the cervical region of the vertebral column. The atlas articulates superiorly with the occipital condyles found on each side of the foramen magnum of the skull.

Detailed explanation-5: -The atlas bone is the first of seven cervical vertebrae (vertebra cervicalis I or C1). It supports the weight of the skull. The name for the bone was derived from a deity of Greek mythology called Atlas, who supported the heavens. On the superior surface of the atlas bone are a pair of concave facets.