atlas

First cervical vertebra, articulating with the occipital bone and rotating around the dens of the axis. SYN: vertebra C1, first cervical vertebra. [G. A., in Greek mythology a Titan who supported the heavens on his shoulders]

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at·las 'at-ləs n the first vertebra of the neck Atlas Greek mythological character. In Greek legend Atlas was a Titan who took part in the revolt against the gods. As a punishment he was condemned to hold the heavens aloft forever. Atlas was usually represented as a human figure bearing the heavens or the celestial globe upon his shoulders.

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n.

the first cervical vertebra, by means of which the skull is articulated to the backbone.

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at·las (atґləs) [Gr. Atlas the Greek god who bears up the pillars of Heaven] 1. [TA] the first cervical vertebra, which articulates above with the occipital bone and below with the axis. 2. a collection of related illustrations. atlantal adj

Atlas. (A), (Top) superior aspect; (bottom) transverse aspect. Note the absence of the body and spinous process. (B), Position.