What is the function of atlas vertebra?

What is the function of atlas vertebra?

The atlas is the topmost vertebra and, with the axis (the vertebra below it), forms the joint connecting the skull and spine. The atlas and axis are specialized to allow a greater range of motion than normal vertebrae. They are responsible for the nodding and rotation movements of the head.

What is the function of the atlas and axis?

The atlas and axis support the head on the lower cervical spine while providing for considerable mobility in flexion, extension, rotation and lateral bending. The first two vertebrae also function as conduits for the cervical cord and vertebral arteries.

What are the features of the atlas vertebrae?

The atlas is the first cervical vertebra and articulates with the occiput of the head and the axis (C2). It differs from the other cervical vertebrae in that it has no vertebral body and no spinous process. Instead, the atlas has lateral masses which are connected by an anterior and posterior arch.

What is atlas vertebrae?

atlas: the first cervical vertebra (C1), lying directly under the skull, through which the head articulates with the neck. The main connection to the vertebra below is a pivot around the odontoid process that is an upward projection of the body of the second cervical vertebra.

What is cervical vertebrae 1 C1 called?

The C1 vertebra, also called atlas, is shaped like a ring.

What is the function of the axis?

The Axis (C2 vertebra) also known as epistropheus forms the pivot upon which the first cervical vertebra (the Atlas), which carries the head, rotates. The axis is composed of a vertebral body, heavy pedicles, laminae, and transverse processes, which serve as attachment points for muscles.

Why are the atlas and axis different from the rest of the vertebrae?

The main difference between atlas and axis vertebrae is that atlas is the first cervical vertebra, which supports the skull whereas axis is the second cervical vertebra, which forms the pivot upon the atlas. Furthermore, atlas help to hold the head upright while axis allows the head to turn side to side.

What attaches to the atlas?

The C1 vertebra, known as the atlas, is the superior-most vertebra in the spinal column. It plays vital roles in the support of the skull, spinal cord, and vertebral arteries and provides attachment points for several muscles of the neck.

How do you identify atlas and axis?

The atlas is the first cervical (neck) vertebra which is just under the head; it is named for Atlas, the Greek god who supported the world on his shoulders. The axis is the second cervical vertebra; it has what is called the odontoid process about which the atlas rotates.

Why is C1 also called the atlas Why is C2 also called the axis?

C1 is called the atlas. It supports the head and is named for the Greek god Atlas who was condemned to support the earth and its heavens on his shoulders. C2 is called the axis because the atlas rotates about the odontoid process of C2. The joint between the atlas and axis is a pivot that allows the head to turn.

What is the function of the cervical vertebrae?

The cervical spine functions to provide mobility and stability to the head while connecting it to the relatively immobile thoracic spine. The movement of nodding the head takes place predominantly through flexion and extension at the joint between the atlas and the occipital bone, the atlanto-occipital joint.

What does the Atlas vertebrae do?

Together with the second vertebra, the axis, it is responsible for the wide range of motion of the head. The atlas does not look like a typical vertebra, with its ring-like structure and the absence of a body, which is actually fused to the axis.

What is the function of the Atlas and axis in the skull?

Together they allow a wide range of motion for humans compared to that of animals. Some of the movements that the bones provide for the head include nodding and rotation movements of the head. While the atlas mainly holds the head upright, the axis is responsible for extending the motion of the human head.

What is the function of the axis vertebra?

Axis vertebra (C2 vertebra) is the second topmost cervical vertebra. It is adjacent to Atlas vertebra and C3 vertebra. Head rotates due to the axis vertebra. It allows the “no” motion of the head.

What is the function of the vertebrae in the neck?

These bones give the neck structure, support the skull, and protect the spinal cord, among other functions. Each vertebra is shaped like an odd Mardi Gras mask when viewed from the top. A protrusion on the backside called the spinous process extends backward and slightly downward. This is where ligaments and muscles attach to the vertebra.