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The Atlanto-axial joint (articulation of the atlas
Atlas (anatomy)

In anatomy, the atlas is the topmost cervical vertebra of the spine .It is named for the Atlas of mythology, because it supports the globe of the head ....
 with the axis
Axis (anatomy)

In anatomy, the second cervical vertebra of the vertebral column is named the axis or epistropheus.It forms the pivot upon which the first cervical vertebra , which carries the head , rotates....
) is of a complicated nature, comprising no fewer than four distinct joints.

There is a pivot articulation between the odontoid process of the axis and the ring formed by the anterior arch and the transverse ligament of the atlas
Transverse ligament of the atlas

The transverse ligament of the atlas is a thick, strong band, which arches across the ring of the Atlas , and retains the odontoid process in contact with the anterior arch....
.








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The Atlanto-axial joint (articulation of the atlas
Atlas (anatomy)

In anatomy, the atlas is the topmost cervical vertebra of the spine .It is named for the Atlas of mythology, because it supports the globe of the head ....
 with the axis
Axis (anatomy)

In anatomy, the second cervical vertebra of the vertebral column is named the axis or epistropheus.It forms the pivot upon which the first cervical vertebra , which carries the head , rotates....
) is of a complicated nature, comprising no fewer than four distinct joints.

There is a pivot articulation between the odontoid process of the axis and the ring formed by the anterior arch and the transverse ligament of the atlas
Transverse ligament of the atlas

The transverse ligament of the atlas is a thick, strong band, which arches across the ring of the Atlas , and retains the odontoid process in contact with the anterior arch....
.

Lateral and medial joints

Here there are two joints:
  • one between the posterior surface of the anterior arch of the atlas and the front of the odontoid process
  • the other between the anterior surface of the ligament and the back of the process


Between the articular processes of the two bones there is on either side an arthrodial or gliding joint.

Ligaments

The ligaments connecting these bones are:

  • Articular capsules
  • Anterior atlantoaxial ligament
    Anterior atlantoaxial ligament

    The anterior atlantoaxial ligament is a strong membrane, fixed, above, to the lower border of the anterior arch of the atlas; below, to the front of the body of the Axis ....
  • Posterior atlantoaxial ligament
    Posterior atlantoaxial ligament

    The posterior atlantoaxial ligament is a broad, thin membrane attached, above, to the lower border of the posterior arch of the Atlas ; below, to the upper edges of the lamin? of the Axis ....
  • Transverse ligament of the atlas
    Transverse ligament of the atlas

    The transverse ligament of the atlas is a thick, strong band, which arches across the ring of the Atlas , and retains the odontoid process in contact with the anterior arch....


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