Is odontoid process a joint?

Is odontoid process a joint?

The atlanto-axial joint is of a complicated nature. It consists of 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….

Does the axis have a odontoid process?

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.

Where is 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.

What muscles attach C2?

Rectus Capitis Posterior
Rectus Capitis Posterior Major Attachments: Originates from the spinous process of the C2 vertebrae (axis), and inserts into the lateral part of the inferior nuchal line of the occipital bone. Actions: Extension and rotation of the head.

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.

Where is the odontoid process?

Where does the odontoid process originate in the spine?

More in Back & Neck Pain. 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.)

Which is the pivot point of the odontoid process?

odontoid process. the toothlike projection that rises perpendicularly from the upper surface of the body of the second cervical vertebra (axis) and that serves as a pivot point for the rotation of the atlas (first cervical vertebra), enabling the head to turn. Also called the dens.

How does the odontoid process relate to the Atlas?

The Odontoid Process, aka, the Dens. (The skull sits on top of the atlas.) The dens projects into a central space in the atlas, and this is how the bones of the atlantoaxial (atlanto relates to atlas, and axial relates to the axis bone) joint fit together. Unlike most other spinal vertebrae, the atlas does not have a vertebral body.

Which is the first case of odontoid disentanglement?

The historical background of Os odontoideum revealed that the first case has been illustrated as disentanglement of the odontoid process in 1863. Os odontoideum is a rare craniocervical junction anomaly with a smooth cortical edge, located behind the anterior arc of the atlas and separated from the main body of the odontoid process (1).

Where is the odontoid process located in the neck?

More in Back & Neck Pain. 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.

The Odontoid Process, aka, the Dens. (The skull sits on top of the atlas.) The dens projects into a central space in the atlas, and this is how the bones of the atlantoaxial (atlanto relates to atlas, and axial relates to the axis bone) joint fit together. Unlike most other spinal vertebrae, the atlas does not have a vertebral body.

Which is axis of motion does the odontoid process provide?

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.) So when it comes to turning your head so you can see behind you, or parallel park, you can, to a great extent, thank your dens for that.

What causes an injury to the odontoid process?

Other types of ligament injuries include stress or stretch that may cause excessive motion in the atlantoaxial joint. And the dens can be fractured, either at the point at the top, at its base on the axis or on the body of the axis. Fractures are thought to be a shearing injury; sometimes they accompany a dislocation and other times not.