Bone
Atlas (C1)
First cervical vertebra
High-yield
No body and no spinous process; the 'yes' joint (atlanto-occipital). A Jefferson fracture bursts its ring.
Overview
The ring-shaped first cervical vertebra that supports the skull and allows the nodding 'yes' movement at the atlanto-occipital joint.
Reference facts
- Bone type
Irregular (vertebra)
- Key landmarks
Anterior and posterior arches; Lateral masses; Transverse processes with foramina; Facet for the dens
- Articulations
Occipital condyles (atlanto-occipital joint); Axis (atlanto-axial joint)