Aorta vs Axis (C2)

Property	Aorta	Axis (C2)
Latin Name	Aorta	Axis
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 second cervical vertebra that provides a pivot point for rotation of the head. The dens (odontoid process) projects superiorly and acts as the axis around which the atlas rotates.
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 …	Odontoid fractures are common cervical spine injuries, especially in elderly patients. Hangman's fracture involves bilateral pars interarticularis fractures of C2. Atlantoaxial instability occurs in rheumatoid arthritis and Down syndrome.
FMA ID	3734	12520

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Full structure pages

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 …

Cardiovascular Heart Region

Axis (C2)

Axis

The second cervical vertebra, the axis provides the pivot around which the head rotates. Its defining feature is the dens, or odontoid process, a tooth-like projection that extends superiorly from the body to articulate with …

Skeletal Spine