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AXIS (C2) ANATOMY

Author: Dr. Bogdan Leahu
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Axis C2 vertebra anatomy 360-degree interactive viewer showing odontoid process (dens), vertebral body, and articular surfaces
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

  • The second cervical vertebra, known as the axis, acts as the pivot for the rotation of the atlas (C1) and the skull
  • Distinguished by its robust odontoid process, also called the dens
  • The dens provides the axis of rotation allowing the head to turn left and right

DENS AXIS (ODONTOID PROCESS)

Axis dens odontoid process 360-degree viewer showing tooth-like projection, apex, and articular surfaces
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  • Strong, tooth-like projection extending upward from the body of the axis
  • Cone-shaped structure allowing the atlas and skull to rotate around it

Apex of the Dens

  • Pointed tip of the dens
  • Attachment site for the apical ligament
  • Connects to the basilar part of the occipital bone inside the skull

ARTICULAR FACETS

Axis articular facets 360-degree viewer showing anterior and posterior articular surfaces of the dens
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Anterior Articular Facet

  • Oval or nearly round smooth surface on the front of the dens
  • Articulates with the anterior arch of the atlas

Posterior Articular Facet

  • Shallow groove on the back of the dens, extending to the sides
  • Accommodates the transverse ligament of the atlas
  • Stabilizes the dens in place, ensuring proper articulation

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Henry G, Warren HL. Osteology. In: Anatomy of the Human Body. 20th ed. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger; 1918. p. 129–97.

QUICK FACTS: AXIS (C2)

Key questions answered about this anatomy topic

Q: What is the primary function of the axis (C2) vertebra?

Answer: Acting as the pivot for rotation of the atlas and skull. The axis acts as the pivot point for the rotation of the atlas (C1) and the skull, allowing the head to turn left and right.

Q: What is another name for the odontoid process?

Answer: Dens. The odontoid process is also called the dens, which is Latin for 'tooth' due to its tooth-like appearance.

Q: What is the shape of the dens (odontoid process)?

Answer: Cone-shaped. The dens is a cone-shaped structure extending upward from the body of the axis, allowing the atlas and skull to rotate around it.

Q: What ligament attaches to the apex of the dens?

Answer: Apical ligament. The apex of the dens serves as the attachment site for the apical ligament, which connects to the basilar part of the occipital bone inside the skull.

Q: Which structure does the apex of the dens connect to?

Answer: Basilar part of the occipital bone. The apex of the dens connects to the basilar part of the occipital bone inside the skull through the apical ligament.

Want to test yourself? Try the interactive quiz above!

⋮⋮ Axis (C2) Quiz
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