Question

The cervical vertebra called axis provides head with sideways rotation. This can be because:

• A. It is articulated to skull through occipital condyles
• B. It is fused with 1${}^{st}$ vertebra atlas
• C. It is joined through elastic pads of fibrocartilage with other vertebrae, which provide mobility .
• D. It contains odontoid process that fits Into the odontoid canal of atlas.

Answer 1

The correct option is D It contains odontoid process that fits Into the odontoid canal of atlas.

The joint between the atlas and axis is a pivot type of joint. The axis has the odontoid process around which the atlas rotates. It allows the head to turn from side to side. It is also called the atloaxoid joint. The ligaments that serve to support and strengthen this joint are called the capsular; anterior and posterior atlantoaxial; and transverse ligaments.

So, the correct option is 'it contains odontoid process that fits Into the odontoid canal of atlas'.