Atlas ( 1st Cervical Vertebra )
The main difference between this and the other vertebrae is that it does not have a body.
In addition, this vertebra has other structures:
- Anterior Arch – forms about 1/5 of the ring.
- anterior tuber
- Dental Fovea – articulates with the Axis Tooth (odontoid process)
- Posterior Arch – forms about 2/5 of the ring.
- posterior tubercle
- Lateral Masses – bulkier and more solid parts of the atlas and support the weight of the head.
- Superior Articular Face – articulates with the occipital condyles.
- Inferior Articular Face – articulates with the superior articular processes of the 2nd cervical vertebra (Axis).
- Transverse Processes – the transverse foramina are found.
ATLAS - TOP VIEW
|
 |
| Source: NETTER, Frank H.. Atlas of Human Anatomy. 2nd edition Porto Alegre: Artmed, 2000. |
ATLAS - BOTTOM VIEW
|
 |
| Source: NETTER, Frank H.. Atlas of Human Anatomy. 2nd edition Porto Alegre: Artmed, 2000. |
Axis ( 2nd Cervical Vertebra )
It presents a strong bony process called Tooth (Odontoid Process) that is located superiorly and articulates with the anterior arch of the Atlas.
AXIS – BACK VIEW
|
 |
| Source: NETTER, Frank H.. Atlas of Human Anatomy. 2nd edition Porto Alegre: Artmed, 2000. |
AXIS - BACK VIEW
|
 |
| Source: NETTER, Frank H.. Atlas of Human Anatomy. 2nd edition Porto Alegre: Artmed, 2000. |
7th Cervical Vertebra (Prominent Vertebra)
* Long and prominent spinous process.
SEVENTH CERVICAL VERTEBRA (C7) - TOP VIEW
|
 |
Source: NETTER, Frank H.. Atlas of Human Anatomy. 2nd edition Porto Alegre: Artmed, 2000.
|
12th Thoracic Vertebrae
* Single thoracic vertebra with inferior articular processes lateralized.
Twelfth Thoracic (T12) - SIDE VIEW
|
 |
| Source: NETTER, Frank H.. Atlas of Human Anatomy. 2nd edition Porto Alegre: Artmed, 2000. |
