What do dens do?

What do dens do?

The odontoid process provides a pivot point — called an axis of motion — around which the skull and the first cervical vertebra (the atlas) rotate, twist and/or turn (these are really all the same thing.)

What is the dens in anatomy?

The odontoid process (also dens or odontoid peg) is a protuberance (process or projection) of the Axis (second cervical vertebra). It exhibits a slight constriction or neck, where it joins the main body of the vertebra.

What is the function of the dens on the second cervical vertebrae?

The second cervical vertebra, or axis, supports the dens, or odontoid process, which projects rostrally from the body, serving as a pivotal restraint against horizontal displacement of the atlas.

Is dens anterior or posterior?

In anatomy, the axis (from Latin axis, “axle”) or epistropheus, is the second cervical vertebra (C2) of the spine, immediately posterior to the atlas, upon which the head rests. The axis’ defining feature is its strong odontoid process (bony protrusion) known as the dens, which rises dorsally from the rest of the bone.

What part of the odontoid dens is likely to be damaged?

This injury occurs most typically when there is an excessive extension of the cervical spine, and the anterior arch of C1 pushes dorsally (backward) with sufficient force on the odontoid process (dens) to fracture the odontoid process at its base.

Where is the dens odontoid process?

second cervical vertebrae
The odontoid process, or dens, is a superior projecting bony element from the second cervical vertebrae (C2, or the axis). The first cervical vertebrae (atlas) rotates around the odontoid process to provide the largest single component of lateral rotation of the cervical spine.

What is the function of the odontoid?

The odontoid process lies anterior to the spinal cord and is used as the pivot for the rotation of the head. The C1 vertebra, carrying the cranium, rotates on this. The craniovertebral joint between the atlas and the axis is called, the atlanto-axial joint.

Which two bones joint is responsible for nodding movement of head?

The atlas and the occipital bone form the atlanto-occipital joint, which allows neck flexion. When you nod your head as if to say “yes,” that is neck flexion. The atlas and axis form the atlanto-axial joint, which allows head rotation.

Does C2 have a lateral mass?

The C2 vertebra consists of a body, paired pedicles, lateral masses (superior articulating facets), odontoid, pars interarticularis, inferior articulating facets, lamina, and bifid spinous process.

What is the internal structure of the dens?

It is originally made up of an upward extension of the cartilaginous mass, inside the cartilaginous mass the lower part of the body is created. Compared to the body, the internal structure of the dens is more compressed. The odontoid process is the ascension of the atlas merged with the ascension of the axis.

Where are the dens located in the neck?

A strong tooth-like process projecting upwards from the front arch of the second vertebra of the neck (the axis bone) around which the first vertebra rotates to allow the head to turn to either side.

Which is the best description of a den?

Synonym: dens See: illustration A strong tooth-like process projecting upwards from the front arch of the second vertebra of the neck (the axis bone) around which the first vertebra rotates to allow the head to turn to either side. a projection of the second vertebra (the axis), allowing the ATLAS to rotate and thus move the head round. 1. [TA]

Which is more compressed the Atlas or the dens?

Compared to the body, the internal structure of the dens is more compressed. The odontoid process is the ascension of the atlas merged with the ascension of the axis.