atlas
vertebra
Quick Summary
The atlas and axis are the top two cervical vertebrae in the human neck. The atlas, the uppermost vertebra, supports the skull, allowing for nodding movements. The axis, located below the atlas, permits side-to-side rotation of the head. These two vertebrae work together to enable the head's range of motion, which is crucial for balance and sensory input. The occipital bone, at the base of the skull, has a large opening called the foramen magnum, through which the spinal cord connects to the brain.123
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