Atlas (C1) vs Patella
| Property | Atlas (C1) | Patella |
|---|---|---|
| Latin Name | Atlas | Os patellae |
| Type | Bone | Bone |
| Body System | Skeletal | Skeletal |
| Body Region | Spine | Thigh |
| Function | The first cervical vertebra that supports the skull. Allows nodding movements (flexion and extension) of the head at the atlanto-occipital joint. | The largest sesamoid bone in the body, embedded within the quadriceps tendon. Increases the mechanical advantage of the quadriceps muscle by increasing the lever arm for knee extension. |
| 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). | Patellar fractures result from direct trauma or forceful quadriceps contraction. Patellar dislocation typically occurs laterally. Chondromalacia patellae (runner's knee) causes anterior knee pain from cartilage degeneration. |
| FMA ID | 12519 | 24485 |
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 …