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The name 'atlas' for the first cervical vertebra originates from the Greek mythological figure who supported the heavens.
Answer: True
The designation 'atlas' for the first cervical vertebra (C1) is etymologically linked to the figure Atlas from Greek mythology, who was tasked with bearing the celestial sphere.
The Latin name for the atlas vertebra is 'vertebra cervicalis I'.
Answer: True
In anatomical nomenclature, the atlas is formally referred to as 'atlas, vertebra cervicalis I' in Latin, signifying its position as the first cervical vertebra.
The MeSH identifier for the atlas is D001270.
Answer: True
The Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) database assigns the identifier D001270 to the atlas vertebra, facilitating its indexing and retrieval in biomedical literature.
Ancient Romans used the term 'atlas' primarily for the first cervical vertebra (C1).
Answer: False
Historical accounts indicate that ancient Romans initially designated the seventh cervical vertebra (C7) as the 'atlas', associating it with bearing burdens.
The 'Authority control databases' section provides anatomical identifiers for the atlas.
Answer: True
The 'Authority control databases' section lists standardized identifiers for the atlas (anatomy) from various databases (e.g., Library of Congress, Terminologia Anatomica), facilitating unique identification and cataloging across information systems.
The atlas vertebra is also known as C7.
Answer: False
The atlas vertebra is designated as C1, the first cervical vertebra. C7 is the seventh cervical vertebra.
According to the source, ancient Romans initially applied the term 'atlas' to which vertebra?
Answer: The seventh cervical vertebra (C7)
Historical accounts indicate that ancient Romans initially designated the seventh cervical vertebra (C7) as the 'atlas', associating it with bearing burdens.
The origin of the name 'atlas' for C1 is linked to:
Answer: A Greek god who carried the world on his shoulders.
The nomenclature derives from the Greek Titan Atlas, condemned to hold up the heavens, symbolizing the atlas's role in supporting the head.
Which identifier is listed for the atlas in the Terminologia Anatomica (TA98)?
Answer: A02.2.02.101
The atlas is assigned the identifier A02.2.02.101 in the TA98 standard.
The atlas vertebra, known as C1, is located below the axis vertebra.
Answer: False
The atlas vertebra, designated C1, is anatomically situated *superior* to the axis vertebra (C2). This statement is factually incorrect regarding the relative positioning of these two cervical vertebrae.
A unique characteristic of the atlas is its lack of a vertebral body, which has fused with the axis.
Answer: True
A defining characteristic of the atlas vertebra is its absence of a distinct vertebral body, which has undergone fusion with the axis.
The atlas vertebra is characterized by its ring-like structure, comprising an anterior arch, a posterior arch, and two lateral masses.
Answer: True
The atlas vertebra is distinguished by its ring-like morphology, which comprises an anterior arch, a posterior arch, and two lateral masses.
The anterior arch of the atlas features a prominent spinous process for muscle attachment.
Answer: False
The anterior arch of the atlas lacks a prominent spinous process. The posterior arch terminates in a rudimentary posterior tubercle, which is a vestigial spinous process.
The posterior tubercle of the atlas serves as the attachment point for the rectus capitis posterior major muscles.
Answer: False
The posterior tubercle of the atlas is the attachment point for the rectus capitis posterior *minor* muscles and the ligamentum nuchae. The rectus capitis posterior *major* muscles attach to the axis.
The inferior vertebral notches are located on the superior surface of the atlas's posterior arch.
Answer: False
The inferior vertebral notches are shallow grooves located on the *inferior* surface of the posterior arch of the atlas, not the superior surface.
The lateral masses of the atlas are primarily responsible for bearing the weight of the skull.
Answer: True
The lateral masses constitute the most robust portions of the atlas and are structurally adapted to support the weight of the cranium.
The transverse processes of the atlas project anteriorly and medially.
Answer: False
The transverse processes of the atlas project laterally and slightly inferiorly from the lateral masses, not anteriorly and medially.
The rectus capitis lateralis muscle attaches to the posterior tubercle of the atlas.
Answer: False
The rectus capitis lateralis muscle attaches to the *lateral mass* of the atlas, specifically near the superior articular facet, not the posterior tubercle.
The longus colli muscle attaches to the anterior arch of the atlas.
Answer: True
The superior oblique part of the longus colli muscle attaches to the anterior arch of the atlas, specifically to the anterior tubercle.
The atlas lacks a vertebral foramen.
Answer: False
The atlas possesses a vertebral foramen, which is notably large and divided by the transverse atlantal ligament into anterior and posterior compartments.
The posterior arch of the atlas forms the majority of the atlas's circumference.
Answer: False
The posterior arch forms approximately two-fifths of the atlas's circumference, while the anterior arch forms about one-fifth, and the lateral masses constitute the remainder.
The dens (odontoid process) is a feature of the atlas that articulates with the axis.
Answer: False
The dens (odontoid process) is a prominent feature of the *axis* (C2) vertebra, not the atlas (C1). It articulates with the fovea dentis on the anterior arch of the atlas.
The ligamentum nuchae attaches to the posterior tubercle of the atlas.
Answer: True
The ligamentum nuchae, a superior extension of the supraspinous ligament, attaches to the posterior tubercle of the atlas, providing stability and muscle attachment.
The atlas lacks inferior articular facets.
Answer: False
The atlas possesses inferior articular facets, which are adapted to articulate with the superior articular facets of the axis (C2) and facilitate rotational movements.
The obliquus capitis superior muscle attaches to the lateral mass of the atlas.
Answer: True
The obliquus capitis superior muscle originates from the posterior aspect of the transverse process of the atlas, which is part of the lateral mass. This attachment is crucial for stabilizing and moving the head.
The foramen transversarium on the atlas is oriented downward and laterally.
Answer: False
The foramen transversarium on the atlas is oriented superiorly and slightly posteriorly, passing through the transverse process. Its orientation is distinct from that of lower cervical vertebrae.
The atlas is composed of an anterior arch, a posterior arch, and two lateral masses, and it lacks a body.
Answer: True
This description accurately reflects the unique morphology of the atlas (C1), which is characterized by its ring-like structure formed by these components and the absence of a vertebral body.
What is a key structural difference between the atlas and most other vertebrae?
Answer: It lacks a vertebral body, which has fused with the axis.
A fundamental structural difference is the absence of a vertebral body in the atlas (C1), as this component has fused with the axis (C2) during development.
Which structure forms the main weight-bearing component of the atlas vertebra?
Answer: The lateral masses
The lateral masses of the atlas are the most substantial osseous components and are primarily responsible for transmitting the weight of the skull to the cervical spine.
The posterior arch of the atlas terminates in a structure that is a rudimentary version of what is found on lower vertebrae. What is this structure?
Answer: Spinous process
The posterior tubercle of the atlas represents a rudimentary spinous process, serving as an attachment site for specific muscles and ligaments.
Which muscles attach to the upper surface of the transverse processes of the atlas?
Answer: Rectus capitis anterior, rectus capitis lateralis, and obliquus capitis superior
The rectus capitis anterior, rectus capitis lateralis, and obliquus capitis superior muscles originate from the superior surface of the atlas's transverse processes.
The large size of the posterior part of the atlas's vertebral foramen is significant because:
Answer: It reduces the risk of spinal cord injury at this level.
This enlarged space accommodates the spinal cord and brainstem, thereby potentially mitigating the risk of neurological compromise during trauma.
The posterior tubercle of the atlas serves as an attachment point for which muscles and ligament?
Answer: Rectus capitis posterior minor and ligamentum nuchae
The posterior tubercle serves as the attachment site for the rectus capitis posterior minor muscles superiorly and the ligamentum nuchae posteriorly, contributing to head stabilization and neck posture.
The atlas vertebra is described as being ring-like. What are its main components?
Answer: Anterior arch, posterior arch, and two lateral masses
The ring-like structure of the atlas is formed by its anterior arch, posterior arch, and two lateral masses.
The atlas and axis vertebrae primarily allow for side-to-side bending of the head.
Answer: False
While the atlas and axis are crucial for head movement, their primary role is not lateral bending. The atlanto-occipital joint facilitates nodding, and the atlantoaxial joint facilitates rotation ('no'-like movements). Lateral bending is primarily achieved through the combined actions of other cervical vertebrae.
The atlanto-occipital joint is responsible for the rotational ('no'-like) movement of the head.
Answer: False
The rotational ('no'-like) movement of the head is primarily facilitated by the atlantoaxial joint, specifically the articulation between the dens of the axis and the atlas. The atlanto-occipital joint is principally involved in nodding ('yes'-like) movements.
The superior articular facets of the atlas are flat and oval, articulating with the axis.
Answer: False
The superior articular facets of the atlas are large, concave, and oval, designed to articulate with the occipital condyles for nodding movements. The inferior articular facets are flatter and articulate with the axis.
The inferior articular facets of the atlas are designed to facilitate rotational head movements.
Answer: True
The inferior articular facets of the atlas articulate with the superior articular facets of the axis, enabling the rotational ('no'-like) movements of the head.
The 'fovea dentis' is a facet on the axis that articulates with the atlas.
Answer: False
The 'fovea dentis' is a facet located on the *anterior* surface of the *anterior arch* of the atlas, and it articulates with the dens (odontoid process) of the axis.
The superior articular facets of the atlas articulate with the occipital condyles, enabling nodding movements.
Answer: True
The concave superior articular facets of the atlas form the primary articulation with the convex occipital condyles, facilitating the flexion and extension (nodding) movements of the head.
The primary role of the atlas is to facilitate complex chewing motions.
Answer: False
The primary role of the atlas is to support the skull and facilitate head movements (nodding and rotation). Complex chewing motions involve the mandible and temporomandibular joints, not primarily the atlas.
What is the primary function of the atlas (C1) vertebra?
Answer: To support the head directly atop the spinal column.
The primary function of the atlas (C1) is to serve as the direct osseous support for the cranium, articulating superiorly with the occipital condyles.
Which joint allows the head to perform nodding ('yes'-like) movements?
Answer: The atlanto-occipital joint.
The nodding motion of the head is principally facilitated by the atlanto-occipital joint, formed by the articulation between the superior articular facets of the atlas and the occipital condyles.
The fovea dentis, located on the atlas, articulates with which part of the axis?
Answer: The dens (odontoid process) of the axis
The fovea dentis on the anterior arch of the atlas articulates with the dens (odontoid process) of the axis, forming a crucial pivot for rotational head movements.
Which of the following is a characteristic of the superior articular facets of the atlas?
Answer: They are concave and articulate with the occipital condyles.
The superior articular facets of the atlas are large, concave, and medially oriented, forming articulations with the occipital condyles to permit nodding movements.
What movement is enabled by the articulation between the atlas and the axis?
Answer: Rotating the head ('no')
The articulation between the atlas and axis, particularly the pivot formed by the dens, allows for the rotation of the head, commonly referred to as 'no'-like movements.
What is the 'fovea dentis'?
Answer: A facet on the anterior arch of the atlas for articulation with the dens.
The 'fovea dentis' refers to the articular facet located on the posterior aspect of the anterior arch of the atlas, which articulates with the dens (odontoid process) of the axis.
The anterior longitudinal ligament attaches to the lower border of the anterior arch of the atlas.
Answer: True
The anterior longitudinal ligament extends superiorly to attach to the lower border of the anterior arch of the atlas, contributing to the stability of the craniocervical junction.
The vertebral artery and the suboccipital nerve pass through the groove on the posterior part of the atlas's posterior arch.
Answer: True
The groove on the posterior part of the atlas's posterior arch, known as the vertebral artery groove or sulcus arteriae vertebralis, transmits the vertebral artery and the suboccipital nerve.
The transverse atlantal ligament divides the vertebral foramen into two compartments: one for the spinal cord and one for the dens.
Answer: True
The transverse atlantal ligament partitions the vertebral foramen into two distinct compartments: one accommodating the dens of the axis and the other for the spinal cord.
The posterior compartment of the atlas's divided vertebral foramen is smaller than the anterior compartment.
Answer: False
The posterior compartment of the atlas's vertebral foramen, which transmits the spinal cord, is significantly larger than the anterior compartment, which accommodates the dens of the axis.
The posterior atlantooccipital membrane attaches to the lower border of the posterior arch of the atlas.
Answer: True
The posterior atlantooccipital membrane extends superiorly from the lower border of the posterior arch of the atlas to the occipital bone, contributing to the stability of the craniocervical junction.
Why are the atlas and axis considered neurologically significant?
Answer: The brainstem extends down to the level of the axis, making this region critical.
These vertebrae are neurologically significant due to the caudal extension of the brainstem, which reaches the level of the axis. Consequently, trauma or pathology at this high cervical region can profoundly impact neurological function.
What vital structures pass through the groove on the posterior aspect of the atlas's posterior arch?
Answer: The vertebral artery and the suboccipital nerve
The sulcus arteriae vertebralis, located on the posterior arch of the atlas, transmits the vertebral artery and the suboccipital nerve.
The transverse atlantal ligament plays a crucial role in dividing the vertebral foramen into compartments for:
Answer: The dens of the axis and the spinal cord
This ligament divides the vertebral foramen into an anterior compartment for the dens of the axis and a posterior compartment for the spinal cord.
An arcuate foramen is a common anatomical variant where the anterior arch of the atlas is duplicated.
Answer: False
An arcuate foramen is an anatomical variant where a bony bridge (formed by the ossification of the posterior atlantooccipital membrane) arches over the vertebral artery groove on the posterior arch of the atlas, not a duplication of the anterior arch.
Ossification of the atlas typically begins with centers in the lateral masses around the time of birth.
Answer: False
Ossification of the atlas typically begins with centers in the lateral masses during the *seventh week of fetal life*, not around the time of birth.
The anterior arch of the atlas usually fuses with the lateral masses by age 6-8 years.
Answer: True
The anterior arch of the atlas typically achieves fusion with the lateral masses by the age of six to eight years.
Accessory transverse foramina in the atlas are extremely rare, occurring in less than 0.1% of the population.
Answer: False
Accessory transverse foramina are not extremely rare; their prevalence is reported to be between 1.4% and 12.5% in various studies.
A foramen arcuale is an anatomical variant affecting the anterior arch of the atlas.
Answer: False
A foramen arcuale (or arcuate foramen) is an anatomical variant associated with the *posterior* arch of the atlas, specifically involving the vertebral artery groove.
Posterior arch defects of the atlas are more common than anterior arch defects.
Answer: True
Posterior arch defects of the atlas are indeed more common (approximately 0.95% prevalence) than anterior arch defects (approximately 0.087% prevalence).
The atlas ossifies from a single center at birth.
Answer: False
The atlas typically ossifies from three primary centers: one in each lateral mass (appearing in fetal life) and one in the anterior arch (appearing about a year after birth).
The ossification of the atlas typically begins with centers in which parts during fetal development?
Answer: Lateral masses only
The ossification process for the atlas primarily begins with centers appearing within the lateral masses during the seventh week of gestation.
What anatomical variant involves a bony bridge potentially forming over the vertebral artery groove on the posterior arch of the atlas?
Answer: Arcuate foramen
This anatomical variant is known as an arcuate foramen, resulting from the ossification of the posterior atlantooccipital membrane.
What is the typical timeline for the union of the anterior arch ossification center with the lateral masses of the atlas?
Answer: By the 6th to 8th year after birth
Fusion of the anterior arch ossification center with the lateral masses of the atlas generally occurs between the sixth and eighth years postnatally.
The atlas and axis are considered neurologically insignificant due to their high position in the cervical spine.
Answer: False
Contrary to the statement, the atlas and axis are of paramount neurological significance. The brainstem extends to the level of the axis, and injuries at this high cervical region can have severe neurological consequences.
A Jefferson fracture is characterized by a fracture of only the posterior arch of the atlas.
Answer: False
A Jefferson fracture is defined as a bilateral burst fracture involving *all four arches* of the atlas (anterior arch, posterior arch, and both lateral masses), not solely the posterior arch.
Hyperextension injuries like whiplash are less likely to cause spinal cord injury at the atlas level compared to lower cervical levels.
Answer: True
Due to the exceptionally large vertebral foramen at the atlas (C1), spinal cord injury is less probable at this level during hyperextension trauma compared to more caudal cervical segments.
Cervical vertebrae dislocation is most common at the C1-C2 level.
Answer: False
While C1-C2 dislocations can occur, they are not the most common. Dislocations are more frequently observed at C2-C3 or, most commonly, at the C6-C7 level.
Craniocervical junction misalignment is theorized to potentially influence cerebrospinal fluid flow.
Answer: True
Craniocervical junction misalignment has been implicated in altered cerebrospinal fluid flow patterns, a factor hypothesized to contribute to certain neurodegenerative processes.
The Jefferson fracture is a type of isolated transverse process fracture of the atlas.
Answer: False
A Jefferson fracture is a complex fracture involving bilateral disruption of the atlas arches, typically a burst fracture, not an isolated transverse process fracture.
What is a Jefferson fracture, as defined in the source?
Answer: A bilateral burst fracture involving all four arches of the atlas (C1).
A Jefferson fracture is characterized as a bilateral burst fracture affecting all four arches of the atlas (C1).
Which of the following is NOT listed as a type of C1 fracture in the Levine Classification?
Answer: Fracture of the dens (odontoid process)
The Levine Classification for C1 fractures includes types related to transverse processes, posterior arch, anterior arch, lateral masses, and bilateral burst fractures (Jefferson). Fractures of the dens (odontoid process) are typically classified separately as C2 fractures.
In hyperextension injuries like whiplash, why is spinal cord involvement less likely at the atlas level compared to lower cervical levels?
Answer: The vertebral foramen at C1 is exceptionally large.
The vertebral foramen at the atlas (C1) is notably large, providing ample space for the spinal cord and brainstem, which reduces the likelihood of direct spinal cord injury compared to narrower foramina in lower cervical regions.