Spinal Anatomy Exam III Practice

The atlas refers to the first cervical vertebra. It’s a ring‑like structure that supports the skull and forms the atlanto‑occipital joints with the occipital bones. Unlike typical vertebrae, it lacks a true vertebral body and instead has an anterior and posterior arch with lateral masses, enabling the head to nod. The axis, which is the second cervical vertebra, carries a prominent dens that acts as a pivot for the head’s rotation. The remaining cervical vertebrae are standard in form, with bodies and typical features, but they don’t directly bear the skull. So, the atlas is the first cervical vertebra.