Using the dry skull and osteological specimens of the atlas and axis, demonstrate the movements that occur at the atlanto-occipital and atlanto-axial joints

Question 1

Describe the atlanto-occipital joint including which surfaces articulate and what type of joint it is, and the type of movement that occurs about this joint

Answer 1

• Superior articular facet of lateral mass on atlas (C1) articulates with the occipital condyles on the base of the skull near the foramen magnum
• This is a condyloid synovial joint
• Permits flexion at the head i.e. nodding

Question 2

Describe the atlanto-axial joint and the type of movement that occurs about this joint

Answer 2

• The dens of the axis / the dontoid process slots into the foramen for it near the anterior arch of the atlas
• This allows rotation of the head - ‘no’ movement