Aorta vs Atlas (C1)
| Property | Aorta | Atlas (C1) |
|---|---|---|
| Latin Name | Aorta | Atlas |
| Type | Vessel | Bone |
| Body System | Cardiovascular | Skeletal |
| Body Region | Heart Region | Spine |
| Function | The largest artery in the body, carrying oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to distribute to all body tissues via its branches. Maintains blood pressure through elastic recoil of its … | The first cervical vertebra that supports the skull. Allows nodding movements (flexion and extension) of the head at the atlanto-occipital joint. |
| Clinical Significance | Aortic aneurysm (dilation) can rupture, causing fatal hemorrhage. Aortic dissection is a life-threatening tear in the aortic wall. Atherosclerosis commonly affects the aorta. Coarctation of the aorta is a congenital … | Jefferson fractures (burst fractures of the atlas) result from axial loading. Atlanto-occipital dislocation is usually fatal. Congenital anomalies include atlas assimilation (occipitalization). |
| FMA ID | 3734 | 12519 |
Full structure pages
Aorta
Aorta
The largest artery in the body, the aorta carries oxygenated blood from the left ventricle and distributes it to all tissues through its branches. Elastic recoil of its walls, the Windkessel effect, helps maintain blood …
Atlas (C1)
Atlas
Ring-shaped and unusual in lacking both a vertebral body and a spinous process, the atlas is the first cervical vertebra and supports the skull. Its structure consists of anterior and posterior arches joined by two …