National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) Practice Exam

Question: 1 / 400

Which of the following correctly describes the axis of the cervical spine?

It allows for nodding of the head.

It supports the skull.

It allows for rotation of the head.

The axis, also known as the second cervical vertebra (C2), plays a crucial role in the range of motion of the head, specifically in rotation. The distinctive feature of the axis is the odontoid process, or dens, which protrudes upward and fits into the ring of the first cervical vertebra (the atlas). This anatomical arrangement allows the axis to serve as a pivotal point for rotational movements of the head, enabling you to shake your head "no."

In contrast, while the atlas (C1) is indeed responsible for nodding the head (flexion and extension), it is the axis that facilitates the rotation of the head. Supporting the skull is a shared function of both the atlas and axis, but the primary characteristic that defines the unique movement of the axis is its ability to enable rotation. The axis is not fused with the atlas; rather, it is a distinct vertebra that works in conjunction with the atlas to allow for a wide range of cervical motions.

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It is fused with the atlas.

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