The atlas and axis Flashcards
1
Q
Where is the atlas and axis located?
A
C1 and C2 of the vertebrae.
2
Q
What is the atlas?
A
- Holds up the head.
- Joins it to the Atlanto-occipital joint.
- It is a ring of bone.
- C1.
3
Q
What is the axis?
A
- Joins the atlas at the atlanto-axial joint.
- C2.
4
Q
What are the dens?
A
- Is the result of the mass of bone that would have been the atlas’ body to fuse during development with the axis.
- It has articular cartilage.
5
Q
Does the atlas have spinous processes?
A
No.
6
Q
What does the atlas have instead of spinous processes?
A
Posterior tubercles.
7
Q
What is the atlanto occipital joint?
A
Between C1 and the base of the skull.
8
Q
What is the atlanto axial joint?
A
- Between C2 and C1.
- Joins atlas and axis together.