The dens is a projection from which cervical vertebra?

The dens is a projection from which cervical vertebra?

• A. C1
• B. C2
• C. C3
• D. C4

Answer: (B)

The dens, or odontoid process, is a peg-like projection that rises from the body of the axis—the second cervical vertebra. It extends upward to fit into the anterior arch of the atlas (the first cervical vertebra), forming the atlanto-axial joint that enables head rotation. Because the atlas lacks a true vertebral body, this dens projection is unique to the axis. So, the dens comes from the second cervical vertebra.

The dens, or odontoid process, is a peg-like projection that rises from the body of the axis—the second cervical vertebra. It extends upward to fit into the anterior arch of the atlas (the first cervical vertebra), forming the atlanto-axial joint that enables head rotation. Because the atlas lacks a true vertebral body, this dens projection is unique to the axis. So, the dens comes from the second cervical vertebra.