Atlas and Axis
Video	Rotating Model
Instructions
Read this description and then try to find the structures. Note, you can enlarge at any time by hitting the enlarge button (4 arrows), but you lose this text.There is a blue plus on the lateral view that will bring labeled diagram from that view. The green plus shows you a superior view of the atlas only and the pink plus a superior view of the axis only. You are looking at the atlas (no body) and the axis. They are laying on their anterior surface. Rotate with your mouse until you are looking at the blue pin in front of the atlas. In this view, you are looking inferiorly from the foramen magnum at the atlas and then the axis. Notice that the atlas has no body and large superior articulating facets. Also note that the atlas does not have a spinous process. Instead, it has a posterior tubercle. The atlas also has an anterior tubercle but the blue pin is hiding it. I wonder what that blue pin is doing there. Any guesses? Start to rotate to the right by clicking on the picture and moveing it towards your left. As you rotate, notice the transverse foramen in the transverse process of the atlas and then the axis. Also notice the steep inferiorly pointing slope of the superior articulating facets of the atlas. Try to spot the dens of the axis pointing towards the atlas. As you rotate, notice how the atlas is basically one large vertebral arch and that the dens will stick into this arch where the body of the atlas should have been. This forms a pivot joint. You should also be able to see the anterior tubercle of the atlas. Keep rotating until you come to the posterior view. Notice how the spinous process of the axis is bifid. That is, there are 2 parts with a notch in the center. Lastly, notice the inferior articulating facets.