Does C1 have inferior articular process?
The inferior articulation of the atlas is between the elongated, less concave inferior fovea of C1 and the superior articular facets of C2. The third articulation is between the anterior articular surface of the dens and the posterior surface of the anterior arch of C1.
Does C1 have articular processes?
Regions of the Vertebral Column In the neck, there are seven cervical vertebrae, each designated with the letter “C” followed by its number. Superiorly, the C1 vertebra articulates (forms a joint) with the occipital condyles of the skull. Inferiorly, C1 articulates with the C2 vertebra, and so on.
What does the superior articular facet do?
The point at which superior and articular facets meet is known as a facet, or zygapophyseal, joint. These maintain vertebral alignment, control the range of motion, and are weight-bearing in certain positions.
What is a superior articular process?
The superior articular processes project vertically upward from the articular pillars between the pedicles and the laminae. The concave facet of each superior articular process faces dorsomedially to the inferior articular facets of the vertebra above it (Fig. 3-21). The articular plane is curvilinear.
Why is C1 called the atlas?
In anatomy, the atlas (C1) is the most superior (first) cervical vertebra of the spine and is located in the neck. It is named for Atlas of Greek mythology because, just as Atlas supported the globe, it supports the entire head. They are responsible for the nodding and rotation movements of the head.
What does the superior articular process articulate with?
The superior articular process articulates with the inferior articular process of the vertebrae above. These articulations are known as zyapophysial joints. The articular processes arise from the junction between the laminae and pedicles of the vertebral arch.
What attaches to the superior articular process?
The concave facet of each superior articular process faces dorsomedially to the inferior articular facets of the vertebra above it (Fig. 3-21). The mammillary processes project backward from the superior articular process and are short and round for the attachment of muscles (see Fig. 3-21).
What does the superior articular facet of C2 articulate with?
Superior articular facet (Facies articularis superior) is an oval-shaped, concave structure on the superior aspect of the lateral mass. It articulates with an occipital condyle on the underside skull.
What attaches to the articular process?
The articular processes or zygapophyses (Greek ζυγον = “yoke” (because it links two vertebrae) + απο = “away” + φυσις = “process”) of a vertebra are projections of the vertebra that serve the purpose of fitting with an adjacent vertebra. The actual region of contact is called the articular facet.
What is articular process?
Medical Definition of articular process : either of two processes on each side of a vertebra that articulate with adjoining vertebrae: a : superior articular process. b : inferior articular process.
What does the articular process do?
The functional significance of the articular processes is obviously to limit rotation, which can take place in the lumbar segment of the vertebral column during any asymmetrical movement of the body.