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The atlas is the topmost vertebra and 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.
The atlanto-axial joint is a joint between the atlas bone and the axis bone, which are the first and second cervical vertebrae.It is a pivot joint that provides 40 to 70% of axial rotation of the head.
In anatomy, the axis (from Latin axis, "axle") is the second cervical vertebra (C2) of the spine, immediately inferior to the atlas, upon which the head rests. The spinal cord passes through the axis. The defining feature of the axis is its strong bony protrusion known as the dens, which rises from the superior aspect of the bone.
C1 is also called the atlas, and C2 is also called the axis. The structure of these vertebrae is the reason why the neck and head have a large range of motion. The atlanto-occipital joint allows the skull to move up and down, while the atlanto-axial joint allows the upper neck to twist left and right.
In anatomy, the transverse ligament of the atlas is a broad, tough ligament which arches across the ring of the atlas (first cervical vertebra) posterior to the dens [1] to keep the dens (odontoid process) in contact with the atlas. [citation needed] It forms the transverse component of the cruciform ligament of atlas.
The cruciate ligament of the atlas (cruciform ligament) is a cross-shaped (thus the name) ligament in the neck forming part of the atlanto-axial joint. It consists of the transverse ligament of atlas, a superior longitudinal band, and an inferior longitudinal band. The cruciate ligament of the atlas prevents abnormal movement of the atlanto ...
(b) slight lateral motion, lateroflexion, to one or other side around the anteroposterior axis. Flexion is produced mainly by the action of the longi capitis and recti capitis anteriores ; extension by the recti capitis posteriores major and minor , the obliquus capitis superior , the semispinalis capitis , splenius capitis ...
The occipital condyles are undersurface protuberances of the occipital bone in vertebrates, which function in articulation with the superior facets of the atlas vertebra.. The condyles are oval or reniform (kidney-shaped) in shape, and their anterior extremities, directed forward and medialward, are closer together than their posterior, and encroach on the basilar portion of the bone; the ...