Atlas (C1)

Joe Muscolino

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    • The atlas (C1) is the most superior cervical vertebra of the spine.
    • The atlas articulates with:
      • the occiput superiorly, forming the atlanto-occipital joint.
      • the axis (C2) inferiorly, forming the atlanto-axial joint.

    NOTES:

    1. The atlas is ring-shaped. It has no body. What would have been the body fused instead to the axis (C2), forming the odontoid process (dens) of the axis.
    2. The atlas is so-named because it supports the head, as the Greek mythological figure Atlas supported the world.
    3. Forward-head posture is a common postural distortion pattern in which the atlas is protracted anteriorly. Forward-head posture is parter of the larger postural distortion pattern known as upper-crossed syndrome.
    Superior view of the atlas (C1).

    Superior view of the atlas (C1).

     

    Inferior view of the atlas (C1).

    Inferior view of the atlas (C1).

     

    Posterior view of the atlas (C1).

    Posterior view of the atlas (C1).

     

    Anterior view of the atlas (C1).

    Anterior view of the atlas (C1).

     

    Right lateral view of the atlas (C1).

    Right lateral view of the atlas (C1).