Is axis A cervical vertebrae?
The axis is the second cervical vertebra, commonly called C2. It is an atypical cervical vertebra with unique features and important relations that make it easily recognisable. Its most prominent feature is the odontoid process (also know as the dens or peg), which is embryologically the body of the atlas (C1) 1,2.
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 a characteristic of axis?
An axis is an invisible line around which an object rotates, or spins. The points where an axis intersects with an object’s surface are the object’s North and South Poles. An axis is an invisible line around which an object rotates, or spins.
What is the cervical axis?
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.
How do you know if you have axis bone?
The most distinctive characteristic of this bone is the strong Odontoid Process(also known as the “dens”) which rises perpendicularly from the upper surface of the body.It is a prominent rounded superior projection from the body. This tooth-like elevation serves a stable point around which the atlas bone rotates.
Does axis have a Centrum?
The axis has an elongated centrum, the dens, which extends into the large neural canal of the atlas. The shape of the dens restricts motions between the first two vertebrae to rotations parallel to the long axis of the body.
What is axis in medical terms?
What does the axis bone do?
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.
What is the function of the Atlas and axis vertebrae?
The atlas is the topmost vertebra and with the axis 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.
What is an axis vertebra?
The C2 vertebra, known as the axis vertebra or the epistropheus, is the second-uppermost of the vertebrae making up the backbone and of the seven (7) cervical vertebrae at the top of the spine. Its nickname, the axis vertebra, derives from its role in allowing the head to rotate from its support atop…
What is a C4 spine?
[edit on Wikidata] Cervical spinal nerve 4, also called C4, is a spinal nerve of the cervical segment. It originates from the spinal cord above the 4th cervical vertebra (C4). It contributes nerve fibers to the phrenic nerve, the motor nerve to the thoracoabdominal diaphragm.
What is the function of the axis bone?
The axis is the second of seven bones in the cervical spine. The axis, also known as the C2 bone, creates a pivot that allows the C1, or atlas, to rotate. This action gives the head and neck a greater range of motion from side to side.