What movement does the atlanto-occipital joint allow?

The atlanto-occipital joint (O-C1) acts as a pivot for the flexion/extension motion of the cranium, with 13 degrees average flexion/extension and 8 degrees lateral bending, thus allowing only a few degrees of axial rotation.

What kind of joint is the atlanto-occipital?

condyloid synovial joints
The atlanto-occipital articulation (also known as the C0-C1 joint/articulation) is comprised of a pair of condyloid synovial joints that connect the occipital bone (C0) to the first cervical vertebra (atlas/C1).

What is the axis of the atlanto axial joints during their movement?

The atlantoaxial joint is a complex joint between the atlas (C1) and the axis (C2). These joints are classified as gliding, or plane joints. The primary movement of the atlantoaxial joint complex is rotation. In rotation the atlas together with the head, rotate around the dens of axis.

How are the atlanto-occipital joints best classified?

The atlanto-occipital joint is an articulation between the atlas bone and the occipital bone. It consists of a pair of condyloid joints. It is a synovial joint.

Why atlanto-occipital joint is combined?

Being an ellipsoid joint, the atlantooccipital joint allows movement in two degrees of freedom. These are flexion-extension and lateral flexion.

Which movement is limited the most between the atlanto-occipital joint?

Flexion is limited by soft tissue stops, such as the posterior atlanto-occipital membrane. Table 5-6 lists the muscles that produce the most flexion, extension, and lateral flexion between the occiput and atlas and between the atlas and axis.

What is a pivot joint?

pivot joint, also called rotary joint, or trochoid joint, in vertebrate anatomy, a freely moveable joint (diarthrosis) that allows only rotary movement around a single axis. The moving bone rotates within a ring that is formed from a second bone and adjoining ligament.

Is the atlanto-occipital joint Diarthrotic?

The bone rotates within this ring. Since the rotation is around a single axis, pivot joints are functionally classified as a uniaxial diarthrosis type of joint. An example of a pivot joint is the atlantoaxial joint, found between the C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis) vertebrae.

Where is the atlanto axial joint?

The C1 C2 spinal motion segment, also called the atlantoaxial joint, is located in the upper portion of the cervical spine. It consists of the C1 and C2 vertebrae, and the anatomical structures connecting them. This segment provides rotational motion, supports the head, and protects the spinal cord and nerve pathways.

What is the pivot joint in your neck called?

There is a pivot joint called the atlantoaxial joint, which is formed by the top two vertebrae in the neck. This joint allows a person to rotate their head from side to side.

What are atlas and axis?

The atlas and axis vertebrae are the two most superior bones in the vertebral column, and they are part of the seven cervical vertebrae. The atlas is the top-most bone, sitting just below the skull; it is followed by the axis. Together, they support the skull, facilitate neck movement, and protect the spinal cord.

Is the atlantoaxial joint uniaxial?

Pivot Joint 3a). The bone rotates within this ring. Since the rotation is around a single axis, pivot joints are functionally classified as a uniaxial diarthrosis type of joint. An example of a pivot joint is the atlantoaxial joint, found between the C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis) vertebrae.