What does odontoid process represent?
What does odontoid process represent?
Definition of odontoid process : a toothlike process projecting from the anterior end of the centrum of the axis vertebra on which the atlas vertebra rotates.
What is the odontoid process called?
Dens
Dens. The dens, also called the odontoid process or the peg, is the most pronounced projecting feature of the axis. The dens exhibits a slight constriction where it joins the main body of the vertebra.
Which vertebra has an odontoid process?
Axis
Axis (C2) The second cervical vertebra, or axis, supports the dens, or odontoid process, which projects rostrally from the body, serving as a pivotal restraint against horizontal displacement of the atlas.
What is odontoid process fracture?
The odontoid process sticks up from the front of C2 and fits into a groove in C1. In an odontoid fracture, that peg of bone is broken. In a Type I odontoid fracture, just the tip of the bone is broken. In a Type II fracture, the most common type, the peg is broken at its base.
What does the odontoid process articulate with?
One of the most prominent features of the axis bone is a superior, tooth-like projection called the odontoid process (or dens). articulates with the anterior arch of the atlas bone, where they form a pivot joint.
What are alar ligaments?
In anatomy, the alar ligaments are ligaments which connect the dens (a bony protrusion on the second cervical vertebra) to tubercles on the medial side of the occipital condyle.
Where did the odontoid process come from developmentally?
Developmentally, the tip or apex of the dens is derived from a distinct secondary ossification center (cuneiform cartilage), whereas the remainder of the dens arises from laterally located primary ossification centers ( Figure 5) [1, 14]. …
How serious is an Odontoid fracture?
The odontoid process, also called the dens, is a protuberance of the axis. Life-threatening fractures can occur as a result of forces acting on this anatomical structure due to its proximity to the spinal cord and brainstem.
How is an Odontoid fracture diagnosed?
Diagnosis can be made with standard lateral and open-mouth odontoid radiographs. Some fractures may be difficult to visualize on Xrays and require a CT scan to diagnose. MRI is rarely indicated as these fractures are usually not associated with neurologic symptoms.
Is the odontoid process anterior or posterior?
The odontoid process lies anterior to the spinal cord and is used as the pivot for the rotation of the head. The C1 vertebra, carrying the cranium, rotates on this.
What is Odontoid Peg?
The odontoid process (also dens or odontoid peg) is a protuberance (process or projection) of the Axis (second cervical vertebra). It exhibits a slight constriction or neck, where it joins the main body of the vertebra.
Where are alar ligaments?
The alar ligaments join the lateral margins of the sloping upper posterior margin of the dens of C2 to the lateral margins of the foramen magnum (adjacent to the occipital condyles) and lie on either side of the apical ligament. They may be oblique or vertical and are thickest at the occipital attachment.
