Atlas (anatomy)

In anatomy, the atlas (C1) is the most superior (first) cervical vertebra of the spine.Shape and position of atlas (shown in red), from above. The skull is shown in semi-transparent.Atlas from above3D imagePosterior atlantoöccipital membrane and atlantoaxial ligament (atlas visible at center)Atlas from aboveAtlas from aboveAtlas, inferior surfaceComputer generated 3d model of atlas In anatomy, the atlas (C1) is the most superior (first) cervical vertebra of the spine. It is named for the Atlas of Greek mythology, because it supports the globe of the head which is the skull. The atlas is the topmost vertebra and with the axis forms the joint connecting the skull and spine. The atlas and axis are specialized to allow a greater range of motion than normal vertebrae. They are responsible for the nodding and rotation movements of the head. The atlanto-occipital joint allows the head to nod up and down on the vertebral column. The dens acts as a pivot that allows the atlas and attached head to rotate on the axis, side to side. The atlas's chief peculiarity is that it has no body. It is ring-like and consists of an anterior and a posterior arch and two lateral masses.