Axis (anatomy)
In anatomy, the axis (from Latin axis, "axle") is the second cervical vertebra (C2) of the spine, immediately inferior to the atlas, upon which the head rests.
| Axis | |
|---|---|
Position of axis (shown in red) | |
Second cervical vertebra, or epistropheus, from above | |
| Details | |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | axis, vertebra cervicalis II |
| MeSH | D001368 |
| TA98 | A02.2.02.201 |
| TA2 | 1050 |
| FMA | 12520 |
| Anatomical terms of bone | |
The axis' defining feature is its strong odontoid process (bony protrusion) known as the dens, which rises from the superior aspect of the bone.
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