Author: Human Anatomy Lessons

Types & Articular Surfaces These joints comprise: 1. A pair of lateral atlanto-axial joints between the inferior facets of the atlas and the superior facets of the axis. These are plane joints. 2. A median atlanto-axial joint between the dens (odontoid process) and the anterior arch and between dens and transverse ligament of the atlas. It is a pivot joint. The joint has two separate synovial cavities, anterior and posterior. Ligaments The lateral atlantoaxial joints are supported by: a. A capsular ligament all around. b. The lateral part of the anterior longitudinal ligament. c. The ligamentum flavum. The median atlantoaxial…