Atlanto-axial joint anatomy in 3D
The atlanto-axial joint lies between the first cervical vertebra (the atlas) and the second (the axis). The dens, a peg rising from the axis, fits inside the front of the atlas ring as a pivot, and a pair of joints between the two bones sits either side of it. Unlike the vertebrae below, these two have no intervertebral disc between them.
Frequently asked questions
Which bones form the atlanto-axial joint?
The atlanto-axial joint is formed by the atlas (C1) and the axis (C2).
What type of joint is the atlanto-axial joint?
The central joint around the dens is a pivot joint, and the pair at the sides are plane joints.
What movements happen at the atlanto-axial joint?
Turning the head from side to side happens mainly here.
Bones of the atlanto-axial joint
Other joints
- Shoulder joint
- Acromioclavicular joint
- Elbow joint
- Radioulnar joints
- Wrist joint
- Thumb carpometacarpal joint
- Hip joint
- Sacroiliac joint
- Knee joint
- Ankle joint
- Subtalar joint
- Temporomandibular joint
- Atlanto-occipital joint
- Intervertebral joints
- Costovertebral joints
Skeleton
Read more
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Once the 3D model loads you can turn it and select each part.