Axis
Last edited and medically reviewed by
Alaric Steinmetz
on
The axis is the second cervical vertebra (C2) and, together with the Atlas, forms a functional unit that is primarily responsible for head rotation.
Figure
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Schematic illustration of the axis. Figure adapted from Gray's Anatomy.
Imaging
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Visualization of the dens axis in three different planes on CT.
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Transoral radiograph showing an intact dens axis.