Atlas (first cervical vertebra)

The Atlas is the first cervical vertebra at the top of the spine, supporting the skull. It’s a ring-shaped bone that allows you to nod and turn your head. Unlike other vertebrae, it lacks a body and has large openings to hold spinal cord and arteries. Its unique structure connects the skull to the neck and enables movements like shaking your head "no." The Atlas works closely with the second vertebra (axis) to facilitate head rotation, playing a crucial role in neck stability and movement.