köpförbindelser

Kopfverbindungen, a German term, translates to "head connections" or "head joints" in English and refers to the way the head of a person is attached to their neck. This anatomical junction is crucial for supporting the skull and enabling a wide range of head movements. The primary structures involved are the occipital bone of the skull and the first two cervical vertebrae, known as the atlas (C1) and the axis (C2).

The atlanto-occipital joint, located between the occipital bone and the atlas, is a synovial joint that permits flexion and extension of the head, essentially allowing for nodding. This joint is formed by the occipital condyles articulating with the superior articular facets of the atlas.

Below this, the atlanto-axial joint complex, situated between the atlas and the axis, is responsible for rotational movements of the head, such as shaking the head "no." This complex is composed of three articulations: a median atlanto-axial joint between the dens of the axis and the anterior arch of the atlas, and two lateral atlanto-axial joints between the inferior articular facets of the atlas and the superior articular facets of the axis.

These connections are stabilized by a network of ligaments, including the alar ligaments, apical ligament, and the cruciate ligament, which provide both strength and flexibility, allowing for the intricate movements of the head while protecting the spinal cord within the vertebral canal.