Which cervical vertebrae is the axis?

Which cervical vertebrae is the axis?

C2 vertebra
Introduction. 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.

Is the axis C1 or C2?

The C1 and C2 vertebrae are the first two vertebrae of the cervical spine. They are also called the atlas and axis vertebrae.

Why are C1 and C2 called atlas and axis?

It is named for Atlas of Greek mythology because, just as Atlas supported the globe, it supports the entire head. The atlas is the topmost vertebra and, with the axis (the vertebra below it), forms the joint connecting the skull and spine.

What is special about the top two cervical vertebrae?

The top vertebra, called the atlas, is the only cervical vertebra without a vertebral body. Instead, it is shaped more like a ring. The atlas connects to the occipital bone above to support the base of the skull and form the atlanto-occipital joint.

Why is C2 called axis?

Axis: The axis is the second cervical vertebra (symbol: C2). It is called the “axis” because the uppermost cervical vertebra (called the atlas) rotates about the odontoid process of C2. The joint between the axis and atlas is a pivot type of joint. It allows the head turn.

What is the axis C2?

The axis (C2) cervical vertebra is the second vertebra of the spine. It is unique in that it contains the odontoid process — odontoid means “tooth” and that is what this bone looks like — that forms a pivot point on which C1 atlas can rotate. Injuries to the odontoid are common in motor vehicle accidents and falls.

Is C1 The atlas or axis?

Introduction. 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.

What is the difference between atlas and axis vertebrae?

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.

What nerves are affected by C1 C2?

Nerves in the cervical spine They stimulate muscle movement in your neck, shoulder, arm and hand, and provide sensation. Cervical nerves C1, C2 and C3 control your forward, backward and side head and neck movements.

What are dens of axis?

The dens axis (literally ‘tooth of the axis’), also called the odontoid process or the peg, is the separated body of the atlas that fused with the body of the axis during early life. It exhibits a small constriction called the neck, on the place where it fuses with the body of the axis.

Why C2 is called axis?

What are C1 and C2 vertebrae called?

atlas and axis
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.

Where is C1 and C2 located?

neck
The C1 and C2 vertebrae are the highest of the spinal vertebrae and are located at the very top of the neck, connecting the head to the spine. The C1 vertebrae is named atlas and the C2 vertebrae is named axis.

What is the difference between the axis C2 and atlas C1 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 does C1 C2 and C3 control?

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 is the dens of C2?

The odontoid process, or dens, is a superior projecting bony element from the second cervical vertebrae (C2, or the axis). The first cervical vertebrae (atlas) rotates around the odontoid process to provide the largest single component of lateral rotation of the cervical spine.

What is atlas and axis?

What is unique about C1 and C2?

The C1 and C2 vertebrae are uniquely shaped and have vertebral foramen (spaces within the bone) which allow the vertebral arteries and veins to reach through to the brain and supply it with blood. This unique formation is only seen in the cervical vertebrae.

What is different about C1 and C2?

Summary – C1 vs C2 They are cervical vertebrae. C1 holds the head upright while C2 encases the brain stem and it allows most of the head motions. Both C1 and C2 are unique, and they are specialized vertebrae located in the neck region. They are ring-like vertebrae.