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Atlantooccipital joints, or atlantooccipital articulations, are the pair of synovial joints between the occipital bone at the base of the skull and the first cervical vertebra (the atlas, C1). They form the primary connections at the craniovertebral junction, allowing the head to sit atop the spine while enabling movement.
Anatomy and structure: Each joint is a condyloid (ellipsoid) synovial joint. The superior articular facets of
Movement and function: The primary motions are flexion and extension of the head (nodding), with the joints
Innervation and blood supply: The joints are innervated primarily by the suboccipital nerve (dorsal ramus of
Clinical relevance: Disorders at the atlantooccipital joints are uncommon but can be significant. Congenital anomalies such