Atlanto-occipital joint anatomy in 3D
The atlanto-occipital joint is where the pair of occipital condyles under the skull rest on the upper joint surfaces of the first cervical vertebra (the atlas). It is the meeting point of the head and the spine, and the weight of the head passes through it to the neck.
Frequently asked questions
Which bones form the atlanto-occipital joint?
The atlanto-occipital joint is formed by the occipital bone and the atlas (C1).
What type of joint is the atlanto-occipital joint?
It is a pair of ellipsoid (condyloid) joints, one on each side.
What movements happen at the atlanto-occipital joint?
Its main movement is nodding, bending the head forwards and back; it also allows a slight sideways tilt. Turning the head from side to side happens at the atlanto-axial joint below.
Bones of the atlanto-occipital 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-axial joint
- Intervertebral joints
- Costovertebral joints
Skeleton
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Once the 3D model loads you can turn it and select each part.