What is dens in axis vertebrae?

What is dens in axis vertebrae?

Description. 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.

Does the axis vertebrae have a dens?

Dens. The dens, also called the odontoid process or the peg, is the most pronounced projecting feature of the axis. The dens exhibits a slight constriction where it joins the main body of the vertebra.

What is the dens in the cervical spine?

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 purpose of the dens in the vertebrae?

The dens (odontoid process) of the axis exists as a superior projection from the C2 vertebral body and is conical in shape and serves as an attachment site for the transverse, apical, and alar ligaments [1-2].

What does the dens on the axis do?

What happens when the dens of the axis are separated?

The dens exhibit a slight constriction where it joins the main body of the vertebra. The condition where the dens are separated from the body of the axis is called os odontoideum and may cause nerve and circulation compression syndrome.

Where are the dens of the Atlas located?

The dens or odontoid process exhibits a slight constriction or neck, where it joins the body. On its anterior surface is an oval or nearly circular facet for articulation with that on the anterior arch of the atlas.

Where are the dens separated from the body?

The condition where the dens are separated from the body of the axis is called os odontoideum and may cause nerve and circulation compression syndrome. On its anterior surface is an oval or nearly circular facet for articulation with that on the anterior arch of the atlas.