The atlas is the first (topmost) vertebra of the neck; it holds up the skull by joining the two occipital condyles. The axis is the second vertebra, and the joint between the atlas and axis is a pivot joint that lets you turn your head side to side to say "no". There are 7 cervical (neck) vertebrae in humans and in almost all mammals. Memory hook: Atlas "carries the world" (the head) like the Greek Titan Atlas, and the Axis is the "axis" you rotate around.
The atlas (1st vertebra) sits below the skull and joins its two occipital condyles (nodding "yes"); the atlas-axis pivot joint below it rotates the head ("no"). Humans have 7 cervical vertebrae out of 26 total.
Your doubts, answered
Is the atlas the first vertebra or the second?
The atlas is the FIRST vertebra, sitting right below the skull. NCERT states: "First vertebra is the atlas and it articulates with the occipital condyles." The axis is the second vertebra. A simple order for the neck: Atlas (1st) then Axis (2nd).
What kind of joint is between the atlas and axis?
It is a PIVOT joint, which is a type of synovial joint (it has a fluid-filled synovial cavity, so it allows free movement). This pivot joint lets you rotate your head left and right. Do not confuse it with the cartilaginous joint that is found between any two other adjacent vertebrae.
How many cervical vertebrae do humans have?
There are 7 cervical (neck) vertebrae. NCERT says the number of cervical vertebrae is seven in almost all mammals, including human beings. So even a giraffe has only 7, just very long ones. The atlas and axis are the first two of these 7.
Which bone of the skull joins the atlas?
The occipital bone of the skull joins the atlas. The skull has TWO occipital condyles (so the human skull is dicondylic), and these fit onto the atlas, forming the atlanto-occipital joint. This joint lets you nod your head up and down to say "yes".
Atlas–occipital joint vs atlas–axis joint — what moves where?
The atlas-occipital (atlanto-occipital) joint is between skull and atlas, and it gives the nodding "yes" movement (up-down). The atlas-axis (pivot) joint gives the rotating "no" movement (side to side). Remembering "yes above, no below" helps in matching questions.
⚠️ The NEET trap ✗ The joint between the atlas and axis is a cartilaginous joint, like other vertebrae. ✓ The atlas-axis joint is a PIVOT joint (a synovial joint). Only the joints between the OTHER adjacent vertebrae are cartilaginous. 🧠 NCERT lists two different joint types in the vertebral column: adjacent vertebrae = cartilaginous (limited movement), but atlas-axis = pivot/synovial (free rotation). NTA loves testing this exact split.
Real NEET questions
2017
The pivot joint between atlas and axis is a type of
A · Fibrous joint
B · Cartilaginous joint
C · Synovial joint ✓
D · Saddle joint
Solution: The pivot joint between the atlas and axis is one of the examples of synovial joints, which have a fluid-filled synovial cavity that allows free movement (here, head rotation). NCERT Ch 17: pivot joint (between atlas and axis) is listed under synovial joints.
2019
Match the following joints with the bones involved: (a) Gliding joint (b) Hinge joint (c) Pivot joint (d) Saddle joint with (i) Between carpal and metacarpal of thumb (ii) Between Atlas and Axis (iii) Between the carpals (iv) Between Humerus and Ulna
A · (a)-(iii), (b)-(iv), (c)-(ii), (d)-(i) ✓
B · (a)-(iv), (b)-(i), (c)-(ii), (d)-(iii)
C · (a)-(iv), (b)-(ii), (c)-(iii), (d)-(i)
D · (a)-(i), (b)-(iii), (c)-(ii), (d)-(iv)
Solution: Gliding = between carpals (iii); hinge = humerus-ulna at elbow (iv); pivot = atlas-axis (ii); saddle = carpal-metacarpal of thumb (i). This gives (a)-(iii), (b)-(iv), (c)-(ii), (d)-(i).
2026
Which of the following statements are correct with reference to human endoskeleton? A. Human skull is monocondylic. B. The joint between any two adjoining vertebrae is a cartilaginous joint. C. In human beings, the number of cervical vertebrae is seven. D. All ribs except the last 2 pairs are bicephalic. E. The occipital bone of skull is articulated with atlas vertebra.
A · B and E only
B · B, C and E only ✓
C · C, D and E only
D · A, B and D only
Solution: A is wrong: the skull is dicondylic (two occipital condyles), not monocondylic. B correct: adjacent vertebrae form a cartilaginous joint. C correct: 7 cervical vertebrae. D is wrong: ALL ribs are bicephalic. E correct: the occipital bone articulates with the atlas. So B, C and E only.
Solved Locomotion and Movement NEET PYQs
Try the real previous-year questions from this chapter — each with the answer and a full solution.
It is named after the Greek Titan Atlas who held up the sky. In the same way, this vertebra holds up the skull (the head). This makes it easy to remember that the atlas is the top-most, first vertebra.
What movement does the atlas-axis pivot joint allow?
It allows rotation of the head from side to side, the movement you make to say "no". The axis has a peg (the odontoid process) that the atlas rotates around, which is why it is a pivot joint.
Is the joint between the skull and atlas the same as the atlas-axis joint?
No. The skull-atlas (atlanto-occipital) joint gives the up-down nodding "yes" movement. The atlas-axis (pivot) joint gives the side-to-side "no" movement. They are two different joints.
How many cervical vertebrae are there and is the number the same in all mammals?
Humans have 7 cervical vertebrae, and NCERT notes this number is seven in almost all mammals, including humans. Even a giraffe has just 7 long ones.
Are the atlas and axis part of the 26 vertebrae of the vertebral column?
Yes. The adult human vertebral column has 26 vertebrae in total: cervical 7, thoracic 12, lumbar 5, sacral 1 (fused) and coccygeal 1 (fused). The atlas and axis are the first two of the 7 cervical vertebrae.
