Axis is the medical name for the second cervical vertebra (C2) in the neck. It sits just below the atlas (C1) and helps support and rotate the head. Axis is commonly discussed in neck injuries, imaging reports, and upper-cervical surgery planning. It is a key bony landmark for stability around the spinal cord at the top of the spine.
The Subclavian Artery is a major blood vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood from the aorta to the arms. It also gives off important branches that supply the brain, spinal cord, and chest wall. Clinicians commonly reference it during evaluation of arm symptoms, blood pressure differences, and circulation to the brain. It is also important in cardiovascular imaging and certain catheter-based or surgical procedures.
The Vertebral Artery is a major artery that runs up the neck on each side. It supplies oxygen-rich blood to the brainstem, cerebellum, and the back (posterior) part of the brain. Clinicians discuss it when evaluating symptoms that may involve the brain’s posterior circulation. It is commonly assessed with vascular imaging such as ultrasound, CT angiography, or MR angiography.
Atlas is the first cervical vertebra (C1) at the very top of the spine. It supports the skull and helps allow the head to nod and rotate. In spine care, Atlas is commonly discussed in neck injury, upper-cervical instability, and surgical stabilization.
The External Carotid Artery is a major artery in the neck that supplies blood to the face, scalp, and much of the superficial head and neck. It is one of the two terminal branches of the common carotid artery (the other is the internal carotid artery). Clinicians most often discuss it when evaluating head-and-neck blood flow, neck masses or bleeding, and carotid artery disease. It is commonly assessed with physical exam and vascular imaging such as ultrasound or CT angiography.
Dens is a bony projection on the second cervical vertebra (C2), also called the axis. It forms a key pivot point that allows the head and the first cervical vertebra (C1) to rotate. Dens is commonly discussed in neck anatomy, trauma (fractures), and upper-cervical stability. It is also a central landmark on cervical spine imaging such as X-ray, CT, and MRI.
The Internal Carotid Artery is a major artery that carries oxygen-rich blood to the brain. It runs up the neck and enters the skull to supply key brain regions. Clinicians often discuss it when evaluating stroke risk and neurologic symptoms. It is commonly assessed with vascular exams and imaging tests of the neck and brain vessels.
The Odontoid process is a tooth-like bony projection on the second cervical vertebra (C2), also called the axis. It sits high in the neck, just below the skull, and helps the head rotate side to side. Clinicians often refer to it as the “dens,” and it is a key landmark on cervical spine imaging. It is commonly discussed in neck trauma, instability, arthritis, and certain congenital spine conditions.
The Carotid Artery is a major blood vessel in the neck that carries oxygen-rich blood to the brain. Most people have a right and left Carotid Artery system, each branching into internal and external vessels. Clinicians commonly reference it when evaluating stroke risk, neurologic symptoms, or vascular disease. It is also a frequent target of noninvasive imaging such as ultrasound.
The Atlantoaxial joint is the joint complex between the first and second cervical vertebrae (C1 and C2) at the top of the neck. It is the main structure that allows the head and neck to rotate side to side. Clinicians discuss it when evaluating neck pain, headache patterns, instability, or upper cervical spinal cord symptoms. It is also a key focus in cervical spine imaging, injections, and some stabilization surgeries.