Atlas

Atlas is the most cranial vertebra in the vertebral column supporting the skull via condylar surface.

Icon of crossfade image Anterior view of atlas with the anatomical terminology markup
Anterior view of atlas
Atlas. Anterior aspect.
The atlas is the flattest and most mobile vertebra, as it rotates together with the skull
The list of terms: Arcus anterior atlantis – Anterior arch of atlas
Tuberculum anterius – Anterior tubercle of atlas
Arcus posterior atlantis – Posterior arch of atlas
Processus transversus – Transverse process
Foramen transversarium
Massa lateralis atlantis – Lateral mass of atlas
Facies articularis inferior – Inferior articular facet
Icon of crossfade image Top view of atlas with the anatomical terminology markup
Top view of atlas
Atlas. The top aspect.
Note the absence of the corpus and presence of two massive structures made by fused superior and inferior articulatory processes—massae laterales.
The list of terms: Arcus anterior – Anterior arch of atlas
Tuberculum anterius – Anterior tubercle
Fovea dentis – Dental fovea of atlas
Arcus posterior atlantis – Posterior arch of atlas
Tuberculum posterius – Posterior tubercle
Sulcus arteriae vertebralis – Groove for vertebral artery
Foramen vertebrale – Vertebral foramen
Massa lateralis atlantis – Lateral mass of atlas
Processus transversus – Transverse process
Foramen transversarium
Icon of crossfade image Bottom view of atlas with the anatomical terminology markup
Bottom view of atlas
Atlas. Inferior aspect.
The shape of the inferior articular surface is almost flat in contrast with the concave superior articular surface.
The list of terms: Arcus anterior – Anterior arch of atlas
Tuberculum anterius – Anterior tubercle
Fovea dentis – Dental fovea of atlas
Arcus posterior atlantis – Posterior arch of atlas
Tuberculum posterius – Posterior tubercle
Foramen vertebrale – Vertebral foramen
Massa lateralis atlantis – Lateral mass of atlas
Facies articularis inferior – Inferior articular facet
Processus transversus – Transverse process
Foramen transversarium
Icon of crossfade image Iso view of atlas with the anatomical terminology markup
Iso view of atlas
Atlas. Superolateral aspect.
The list of terms: Arcus anterior atlantis – Anterior arch of atlas
Tuberculum anterius – Anterior tubercle of atlas
Arcus posterior atlantis – Posterior arch of atlas
Sulcus arteriae vertebralis – Groove for vertebral artery
Foramen vertebrale – Vertebral foramen
Massa lateralis atlantis – Lateral mass of atlas
Facies articularis superior – Superior articular facet
Processus transversus – Transverse process
Foramen transversarium
Atlas. 360° rotation.
First published: Jan/2019
Last update: 24/Nov/2020