What type of vertebrae is the axis?
cervical vertebra
In anatomy, the axis (from Latin axis, “axle”) or epistropheus, is the second cervical vertebra (C2) of the spine, immediately inferior to the atlas, upon which the head rests. The axis’ defining feature is its strong odontoid process (bony protrusion) known as the dens, which rises dorsally from the rest of the bone.
Why is it called axis vertebrae?
C2 (cervical vertebra): C2 is the symbol for the second cervical vertebra, which is also called the axis. It is so-named because the uppermost cervical vertebra (called the atlas) rotates about the odontoid process of the second cervical vertebra. The Latin word “axis” means axle or pole.
What is unique about the axis 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.
How many vertebrae are there in the axis?
Of those 24 (not counting the sacrum and coccyx), two vertebrae are fortunate enough to have names. The atlas (C01) and axis (C02) are two of the most important vertebrae in the spine. Without them, head and neck movement would be impossible.
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 muscles attach to the axis?
The muscles are semisplinalis servicis ,the rectus capitis posterior major,the inferior oblique, the spinalis cervicis , the interspinalis and the multifidus. The lamina provides attachment to the ligamentum flava.
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. It allows the head turn from side to side.
How do you identify atlas and axis?
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.
Is atlas C1 or C2?
The upper cervical spine consists of the atlas (C1) and the axis (C2). These first 2 vertebrae are quite different from the rest of the cervical spine (see the image below). The atlas articulates superiorly with the occiput (the atlanto-occipital joint) and inferiorly with the axis (the atlantoaxial joint).
Does atlas lack transverse Foramina?
The atlas lacks transverse foramina. The dens articulates where the atlas’s absent body would be.
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.
What is the function of the axis vertebra?
The main feature of the axis vertebra is the presence of an odontoid process or dens to articulate with the atlas. And, this articulation forms a pivot between the atlas and the axis. Thus, this joint is called the atlanta-axial joint, and its main function is to allow the head to rotate around the neck.
What type of vertebrae are the axis and the Atlas?
Atlas and axis vertebrae are two vertebrae in the vertebral column. Both are cervical vertebrae. They both are in the neck region. These two vertebrae are responsible for the motions of the head. Both vertebrae are ring-like bones.
Which is the second cervical vertebra after the Atlas?
What is Axis Vertebra. Axis (C2) vertebra is the second cervical vertebra of the spine. The main feature of the axis vertebra is the presence of an odontoid process or dens to articulate with the atlas. And, this articulation forms a pivot between the atlas and the axis.
What makes up the axis of the body?
The axis is composed of a vertebral body, heavy pedicles, laminae, and transverse processes, which serve as attachment points for muscles. The axis articulates with the atlas via its superior articular facets, which are convex and face upward and outward.