What does the superior articular facet of C1 articulate with?
Superior articular facet (Facies articularis superior) is an oval-shaped, concave structure on the superior aspect of the lateral mass. It articulates with an occipital condyle on the underside skull.
Where are the superior facets located for C1?
The superior articular facets form the atlanto-occipital joint with the condyles of the occipital bone of the skull, allowing the head to flex and extend at the neck. On the inferior side of each lateral mass is a short, flat, cylindrical projection of bone known as the inferior articular facet.
Does C1 have a superior articular process?
The atlas’ superior articulation is between the kidney-shaped, concave, paired superior articular fovea and the paired convex occipital condyles. This is a diarthrodial articulation with a distinct joint capsule synovium and synovial fluid. The superior articular fovea of C1 is angled slightly medially.
Does C1 have a facet?
The C1 and C2 vertebrae are connected in the back by a pair of facet joints. The ring-shaped atlas rotates around the dens, which is the peg-like bony projection of the axis.
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 movement does C1 allow and why?
The cervical vertebrae C1 is attached directly to the skull, which allows for any nodding lateral motions.
What are articular facets?
A facet is a flat or nearly flat surface on a bone. The vertebral articular facets are where two vertebrae articulate. There will be one pair of facets on the superior side of the vertebrae and one pair on the inferior side of the vertebrae.
What is superior articular surface?
The superior articular surface (superior facet)s are of large size, oval, concave, and approach each other in front, but diverge behind: they are directed upward, medialward, and a little backward, each forming a cup for the corresponding condyle of the occipital bone, and are admirably adapted to the nodding movements …
What makes the atlas C1 and axis C2 different from the rest of the vertebrae?
Note uniquely shaped atlas and axis (C1 and C2). The atlas is ring-shaped and does not have a body, unlike the rest of the vertebrae. Fused remnants of the atlas body have become part of C2, where they are called the odontoid process, or dens.
What does C1 attach to?
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.
How are C1 and C2 different from other cervical vertebrae?
C1 is the topmost vertebra that holds the skull while the C2 is the second topmost vertebra that provides an axis to rotate skull and C1 when the head moves side to side. Therefore, this is the key difference between C1 and C2. Atlas vertebra is a synonym of C1 while the axis vertebra is a synonym of C2.
Why C1 is called atlas?
In anatomy, the atlas (C1) is the most superior (first) cervical vertebra of the spine and is located in the neck. It is named for Atlas of Greek mythology because, just as Atlas supported the globe, it supports the entire head.
It articulates with the dens of the axis and the occiput, respectively allowing rotation of the head, and flexion, extension and lateral flexion of the head. Click to see full answer. Similarly, what does the superior articular facet of c1 articulate with?
What is the superior articular facet of the skull?
Each lateral mass has a smooth, oval, cup-like depression known as the superior articular facet on its superior surface. The superior articular facets form the atlanto-occipital joint with the condyles of the occipital bone of the skull, allowing the head to flex and extend at the neck.
What is C1 in vertebrae?
C1 (Atlas) – 1st Cervical Vertebra. The C1 vertebra, known as the atlas, is the superior-most vertebra in the spinal column.
Is the posterior articular facet of the atlantoaxial joint convex?
The posterior articular facet of the dens is concave vertically and convex transversely. It sits against the fibrocartilaginous surface of the transverse ligament. All the articulating surfaces of the median atlantoaxial joint are covered with hyaline cartilage.