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C1-C7 (cervical vertebrae):
C1 through C7 are the symbols for the cervical (neck) vertebrae, the upper
7 vertebrae in the spinal column (the vertebral column).
C1 is called the atlas. It supports the head and is named for the Greek
god Atlas who was condemned to support the earth and its heavens on his
shoulders. (Because the god Atlas often adorned maps, a compilation of
maps came to be known as an atlas).
C2 is called the axis because the atlas rotates about the odontoid process
of C2. The joint between the atlas and axis is a pivot that allows the
head to turn. The Latin word "axis" means axle or pole. The axis bone
serves as the axle about which the atlas (and the head) turn.
C7 is sometimes called the prominent vertebra because of the length of its
spinous process (the projection off the back of the vertebral body). |
