Axis
To read about other bones of the head and neck, use the links on the left-side of this page.
The axis bone is located in the neck and is significant because it is the second upper-most vertebra.
Location:
The axis bone is:
- the second vertebra (counting downwards from the top of the vertebral column),
- immediately below the atlas bone, and
- posterior to the the hyoid bone.
Function(s):
- Enables rotation of the head.
See notes about, and labelled diagrams of, all human cranial and facial bones on one page.
More about Bones and the Skeletal System:
This website includes many pages about bones and the skeletal system. The following pages may be of interest. These also link to further pages about related topics such as specific types of fractures, bone diseases and so on.
- Structures and Functions of Bones (an overview about the Skeletal System)
- Types of Bones, such as long bones, short bones, flat bones, etc.
- Bone Markings and Features on Bones of the Human Body
- Types of Joints, such as immoveable, slightly moveable and freely moveable joints
- Diagram of the Human Skeleton
- Overview of types of Conditions and Disorders of the Skeletal System
For further information see also our pages of books about orthopaedics.
Click for more pages about Bones
