Axis (second cervical vertebra)

The Axis, or the second cervical vertebra (C2), is a crucial bone in your neck that allows your head to rotate side to side. It has a unique upward projection called the odontoid process or dens, which fits into the first cervical vertebra (C1), enabling smooth, controlled head turning. The Axis provides stability and support for the skull, while its special structure allows for a wide range of head movements, including shaking "no." It also protects the spinal cord as it passes through the neck. Overall, the Axis is essential for both neck mobility and stability.