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What are the atlas and axis vertebrae responsible for?

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Front and back views of the human skeleton are shown side by side, with labeled bones including the skull, spine, ribs, pelvis, arms, legs, hands, and feet. Insets detail the bones of the foot and hand, highlighting major bone groups and anatomical terms. — human skeleton Front and back views of the human skeleton.

The atlas and axis are the first and second cervical vertebrae, respectively, located directly beneath the skull. Together, they form a specialized pivot joint that is primarily responsible for allowing the head to rotate from side to side.21

By functioning as a freely movable joint, this structure provides the necessary range of motion for head movement while remaining part of the vertebral column, which serves the broader roles of protecting the spinal cord and providing structural support for the body.21