What makes the atlas unique?
The atlas (C01) is the first of the cervical vertebrae. Unlike the other vertebrae, the atlas does not have a body or a spinous process. It is ringlike and consists of an anterior and posterior arch, and two lateral masses.
What are the distinguishing characteristics of cervical vertebrae?
The main anatomical characteristics of a typical cervical vertebra that separate it from other types of vertebrae are the small size, transverse foramina, saddle-shaped body, and bifid spinous process (Fig. 1.7.
What are the characteristics of vertebrae?
A typical vertebra consists of two essential parts—viz., an anterior segment, the body, and a posterior part, the vertebral or neural arch; these enclose a foramen, the vertebral foramen.
How are atlas and axis different from other 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 is the function of the atlas in the human body?
The atlas is the top-most bone, sitting just below the skull; it is followed by the axis. Together, they support the skull, facilitate neck movement, and protect the spinal cord.
Why is the atlas vertebrae important?
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.
What is one of the unique anatomical characteristics of the cervical vertebrae?
What is one of the unique anatomical characteristics of the cervical vertebrae? Cervical vertebrae have a transverse foramen on each side of the body. Which veterbra is also known as the axis?
What features make the cervical vertebrae unique?
Typical cervical vertebrae have several features distinct from those typical of thoracic or lumbar vertebrae. The most notable distinction is the presence of one foramen, in each transverse process. These transverse foramina encircle the vertebral arteries and veins.
What features make the thoracic vertebrae unique?
The thoracic vertebrae are a group of twelve small bones that form the vertebral spine in the upper trunk. Thoracic vertebrae are unique among the bones of the spine in that they are the only vertebrae that support ribs and have overlapping spinous processes.
What is the function of 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 type of bone is the atlas classified as?
cervical vertebrae
The atlas bone is the first of seven cervical vertebrae (vertebra cervicalis I or C1). It supports the weight of the skull. The name for the bone was derived from a deity of Greek mythology called Atlas, who supported the heavens.