Full Answer
What is the function of C1 vertebra?
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.
Why is the C1 vertebra called the Atlas?
The C1, or first cervical vertebra, is commonly called the atlas due to its unique position in the spine. In Greek mythology, Atlas was the titan who held the Earth on his shoulders, just like the atlas holds the skull on top of the neck. Continue Scrolling To Read More Below... Anatomy Explorer.
What part of the vertebrae acts as a pivot?
The dens acts as a pivot that allows the atlas and attached head to rotate on the axis, side to side. Also Know, what part of the vertebra is the weight bearing portion?
What part of the vertebrae allows the head to nod up and down?
The atlanto-occipital joint allows the head to nod up and down on the vertebral column. The dens acts as a pivot that allows the atlas and attached head to rotate on the axis, side to side. Also Know, what part of the vertebra is the weight bearing portion?
What provides a pivot for rotation of the first cervical vertebra?
axis: the second cervical vertebra (C2), about which the first cervical vertebra rotates, allowing head movement. It bears the odontoid process, the projecting part of the second cervical vertebra, which allows the first cervical vertebra (atlas) to rotate.
Which cervical vertebrae has the dens?
second cervical vertebraAxis (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 part of the axis C2 acts as a pivot for rotation of the atlas C1 and the skull head?
What is the axis? C2 - the second vertebrae of the vertebral column, acts as a pivot for rotation of the atlas (and skull) above. It bears a large vertical process, the dens, that serves as a pivot point. This allows you to nod your head yes, and the articulation between c1 - and c2 allows you to nod your head no.
Which cervical vertebrae allows rotation of the head?
The first two cervical vertebrae form the atlanto-axial joint, which allows head rotation.
Is the dens on C1 or C2?
C1 and C2 vertebrae. The C1 vertebra, also called atlas, is shaped like a ring. The C2 vertebra has an upward-facing long bony process called the dens. The dens forms a joint with the C1 vertebra and facilitates its turning motions, thereby allowing the head to turn in different directions.
Is the dens C2?
The odontoid process, or dens, is a superior projecting bony element from the second cervical vertebrae (C2, or the axis).
What are dens of axis?
Description. 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.
Which of these bones has the odontoid process or dens that allows the head to pivot from side to side when you say no?
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. rotates side-to-side, the atlas bone rotates around the peg-like odontoid process.
What does C2 and C3 control?
Nerves in the cervical spine Cervical nerves C1, C2 and C3 control your forward, backward and side head and neck movements. The C2 nerve provides sensation to the upper area of your head; C3 gives sensation to the side of your face and back of your head.
What does C1 atlas do?
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.
What is another name for the first cervical vertebra C1?
Overview. The cervical spine is made up of 7 vertebrae. The first 2, C1 and C2, are highly specialized and are given unique names: atlas and axis, respectively. C3-C7 are more classic vertebrae, having a body, pedicles, laminae, spinous processes, and facet joints.
What movement does C1 allow and why?
The cervical vertebrae C1 is attached directly to the skull, which allows for any nodding lateral motions.
What is the C1 vertebra?
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.
Why is the C1 called the Atlas?
The C1, or first cervical vertebra, is commonly called the atlas due to its unique position in the spine. In Greek mythology, Atlas was the titan who held the Earth on his shoulders, just like the atlas holds the skull on top of the neck. Continue Scrolling To Read More Below... « Back Show on Map ».
What is the transverse process?
The transverse process protects the blood vessels in the transverse foramen and serves as an attachment point for muscles that move the neck. The posterior arch extends posteriorly from the lateral masses and completes the ring of the atlas around the hollow vertebral foramen.
What is the superior articular facet?
The superior articular facets form the atlanto-occipital joint with the condyles of the occipital bone of the skull, allowing the head to flex and extend at the neck.
What is the role of the transverse foramina in the brain?
The transverse foramina also play an important protective role for the vertebral arteries and veins that provide vital blood flow to and from the brain . The bony tissue of the transverse processes of the atlas prevents these blood vessels from being compressed or damaged on their way through the neck.
Which muscle inserts at the anterior tubercle of the Atlas?
Of these muscles, the longus colli muscle inserts at the anterior tubercle of the atlas and the rectus capitis posterior muscle arises from the posterior tubercle.
Which nerve exits the vertebral foramen?
Slight depressions on each side of the posterior arch provide room for the C1 spinal nerve to exit the vertebral foramen and allow the vertebral artery to pass into the vertebral foramen before entering the skull at the foramen magnum of the occipital bone.