Atlas (C1) vs Mandible
| Property | Atlas (C1) | Mandible |
|---|---|---|
| Latin Name | Atlas | Os mandibulae |
| Type | Bone | Bone |
| Body System | Skeletal | Skeletal |
| Body Region | Spine | Face |
| Function | The first cervical vertebra that supports the skull. Allows nodding movements (flexion and extension) of the head at the atlanto-occipital joint. | The only movable bone of the skull, forming the lower jaw. Essential for mastication (chewing), speech articulation, and maintaining the lower dental arch. |
| Clinical Significance | Jefferson fractures (burst fractures of the atlas) result from axial loading. Atlanto-occipital dislocation is usually fatal. Congenital anomalies include atlas assimilation (occipitalization). | Mandibular fractures are the second most common facial fractures. The inferior alveolar nerve runs through the mandibular canal and can be damaged during wisdom tooth extraction. Temporomandibular joint disorders cause … |
| FMA ID | 12519 | 52748 |
Full structure pages
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 …