Editing Cervical vertebrae (section)

===Atlas and axis===
{{Main|Atlas (anatomy)|Axis (anatomy)}}

The [[Atlas (anatomy)|atlas]] (C1) and [[Axis (anatomy)|axis]] (C2) are the two topmost vertebrae.

The atlas (C1) is the topmost vertebra, and along with the axis forms the joint connecting the [[Human skull|skull]] and [[vertebral column|spine]]. It lacks a vertebral body, spinous process, and discs either superior or inferior to it. It is ring-like and consists of an anterior arch, posterior arch, and two lateral masses.

The axis (C2) forms the pivot on which the atlas rotates. The most distinctive characteristic of this [[bone]] is the strong [[odontoid process]] (dens) that rises perpendicularly from the upper surface of the body and articulates with C1. The body is deeper in front than behind, and prolonged downward anteriorly so as to overlap the upper and front part of the third vertebra.