APPLIED RADIOLOGICAL ANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -C1, also known as “atlas, ‘’ is unique among all vertebrae in that it lacks both a vertebral body and a spinous process. The relatively circular bone contains two bilateral masses that take the place of a body in its load-bearing capacity.

Detailed explanation-2: -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: -However, one vertebra does not have a body-the first cervical vertebra (C1), also known as the atlas. The absence of the body allows the atlas to rotate around a protrusion that projects superiorly from the axis, the second cervical vertebra. This protrusion is called the dens and allows the head to shake no.

Detailed explanation-4: -Note uniquely shaped atlas and axis (C1 and C2). The atlas is ring-shaped and does not have a body, unlike the rest of the vertebrae. Fused remnants of the atlas body have become part of C2, where they are called the odontoid process, or dens.

Detailed explanation-5: -Another feature unique to the cervical vertebrae is the bifid spinous process (See “physiologic variants” section), which may serve to increase surface area for muscle attachment. The spinous process of cervical vertebrae increases as the spinal column descends.