1st cervical vertebra (C1)-atlas

Articulation

• articulates with the occipital bone via the occipital condyles.
• rotates around the dens of the axis.

Notes

• named for the Titan of Greek mythology Atlas who carried the heavens on his shoulders

More general terms

• vertebra

More specific terms

• lateral mass of atlas
• superior articular (facet/surface/pit) of atlas
• transverse ligament of the atlas; Lauth ligament; transverse atlantal ligament

Additional terms

• 1st cervical spinal nerve (C1); suboccipital nerve
• occipital condyle

Component of

• cervical spine (C-spine)