First cervical vertebra (atlas)
Expansion
Cervical vertebra 1
Purpose
Support skull; assess for fracture, subluxation
Clinical Context
Cervical vertebra 1 (atlas) unique ring-shaped structure. C1 to C7 vertebrae. C1 to C2 articulation (atlantoaxial joint) most mobile. Odontoid fracture (C2) high mortality risk.
Related Terms
- C2
- Cervical spine
Key Points
- C1 equals atlas (no body); C2 equals axis (odontoid process); C5 to C6 common level for myelopathy