The odontoid process provides a pivot point — called an axis of motion — around which the skull and the first cervical vertebra (the atlas) rotate, twist and/or turn (these are really all the same thing.).
Keeping this in view, what is the function of the dens?
It is a blunt tooth–like process that projects upward. It is also referred to as the 'dens' (Latin for 'tooth') or odontoid process. The dens provides a type of pivot and collar allowing the head and atlas to rotate around the dens.
Furthermore, what is Odontoid fossa? Answer: the odontoid process is a protuberance of the axis on the back of the neck and frequently extending on to its lateral surfaces is a shallow groove for the transverse ligament of the atlas which retains the process in position.
Herein, what vertebra has the Odontoid process?
The odontoid process (also dens or odontoid peg) is a protuberance (process or projection) of the Axis (second cervical vertebra). It exhibits a slight constriction or neck, where it joins the main body of the vertebra.
Is the dens anterior or posterior?
Anterior components of the axis are composed of: dens: conical in shape, projects up from the body, smooth posterior surface. superior articular facets, slopes down from body like shoulders, extends over pedicles and lateral masses. inferior articular facets, face anteroinferiorly like typical cervical vertebra.
Related Question Answers
How many bones are in the human body?
206 bones
Why is c2 called axis?
C2 (cervical vertebra): C2 is the symbol for the second cervical vertebra, which is also called the axis. It is so-named because the uppermost cervical vertebra (called the atlas) rotates about the odontoid process of the second cervical vertebra. The Latin word "axis" means axle or pole.What does the t12 nerve control?
Thoracic Spinal Nerves. The thoracic spine has 12 nerve roots (T1 to T12) on each side of the spine that branch from the spinal cord and control motor and sensory signals mostly for the upper back, chest, and abdomen. Each thoracic spinal nerve is named for the vertebra above it.What is a hangman's fracture?
Hangman's fracture is a break in a specific part of one bone in the neck. It is designated as C2: “C” for its location in the cervical spine (spine in the neck), and “2” for its position as the second bone in that spinal segment. C2 is also called the axis.What is the axis in anatomy?
Anatomical terms of bone In anatomy, the second cervical vertebra (C2) of the spine is named the axis (from Latin axis, "axle") or epistropheus. By the atlanto-axial joint, it forms the pivot upon which the first cervical vertebra (the atlas), which carries the head, rotates.What feature is unique to the axis?
One of the most prominent features of the axis bone is a superior, tooth-like projection called the odontoid process (or dens). articulates with the anterior arch of the atlas bone, where they form a pivot joint. rotates side-to-side, the atlas bone rotates around the peg-like odontoid process.What is the first cervical vertebra called?
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.What does the t11 vertebra control?
The eleventh thoracic vertebra (T11) is located near the bottom of the thoracic spine. Like all of its spinal counterparts, T11 protects the spinal cord by encasing it in bone. The T11 vertebra articulates into the rib bones, but they are not designated as true ribs, since they do not connect to the chest's sternum.What is the Odontoid process and where is it located?
The odontoid process, also known as the dens, is an upward projectile of bone that arises from the front part of the center of the axis vertebra. (The axis is the 2nd highest spinal bone.) The atlas is the first bone of your neck; it sits on top of the axis.What is the dens of c2?
The axis is the second cervical vertebra, commonly called C2. It is an atypical cervical vertebra with unique features and important relations that make it easily recognisable. Its most prominent feature is the odontoid process (or dens), which is embryologically the body of the atlas (C1) 1,2.What is a c2 fracture?
The hangman's fracture refers to a break in a bone known as C2, because it is the second bone down from the skull in your cervical (neck) vertebrae. A fracture can be a partial or complete break in a bone. The injury can also cause the C2 to move out of alignment with the bone right below it, known as the C3.What is a Type III dens fracture?
A type III odontoid fracture is a fracture through the body of the C2 vertebrae and may involve a variable portion of the C1 and C2 facets. Type III odontoid fractures occur secondary to hyperextension or hyperflexion of the cervical spine in a similar manner to type II odontoid fractures.Where in the human body is the axis?
Where in the human body is the axis? In anatomy, the second cervical vertebra (C2) of the spine is named the axis (from Latin axis, "axle") or epistropheus. By the atlanto-axial joint, it forms the pivot upon which the first cervical vertebra (the atlas), which carries the head, rotates.Where is the atlas and axis located?
Without them, head and neck movement would be impossible. The atlas and axis vertebrae are the two most superior bones in the vertebral column, and they are part of the seven cervical vertebrae. The atlas is the top-most bone, sitting just below the skull; it is followed by the axis.Is the dens on c1 or c2?
Cervical spine. Note uniquely shaped atlas and axis (C1 and C2). The atlas is ring-shaped and does not have a body, unlike the rest of the vertebrae. Fused remnants of the atlas body have become part of C2, where they are called the odontoid process, or dens. What features of the atlas and axis are unique?
The atlas and axis have additional features that mark them apart from the other cervical vertebrae. The atlas is the first cervical vertebra and articulates with the occiput of the head and the axis (C2). It differs from the other cervical vertebrae in that it has no vertebral body and no spinous process.Where is cervical located?
The cervical spine consists of seven vertebrae and is located at the base of the skull. Its function is to support the skull, enabling head movements back and forth, and from side to side, as well as protecting the spinal cord.What is spinal immobilization?
NREMT's use of the term, spinal immobilization is defined as the use of adjuncts (i.e cervical collar, long board, etc.) being applied to minimize movement of the spinal column. The benefit of spinal immobilization in most trauma patients is unproven.What is an Odontoid fracture?
A type II odontoid fracture is a break that occurs through a specific part of C2, the second bone in the neck. Bones of the spine are called vertebrae. The bone involved in odontoid fracture is the second vertebra, C2, high up in the neck. In a Type III fracture, the bone is broken below the base of the peg. 
