An Inferior View Of The Pedicle Of Axis

Description

Rotating into an inferior perspective, the animation isolates the pedicle of the axis (C2) as the stout osseous bridge extending posterolaterally from the vertebral body toward the vertebral arch. From below, the pedicle can be appreciated as the segment joining the corpus of C2 anteriorly to the lamina and spinous process posteriorly, with the transverse process and transverse foramen positioned laterally. The inferior aspect of the superior articular facets sits superior to the pedicle, while the inferior articular facets and pars interarticularis region come into alignment as the sequence stabilizes. Orientation is maintained in anatomical position, so medial, lateral, anterior, and posterior relationships remain clear as the model turns and settles. Pedicle anatomy at C2 matters because it defines the safe corridor for posterior cervical fixation, including C2 pedicle screws and the alternative translaminar technique when the vertebral artery course is unfavorable. Small changes in pedicle width, medial angulation, and the relationship to the transverse foramen can determine whether instrumentation risks breach into the spinal canal medially or vertebral artery injury laterally. Motion helps here: the animation makes the three-dimensional “tunnel” of the pedicle easier to conceptualize than a single CT slice, and it supports teaching of trajectory planning referenced to consistent bony landmarks. Use this asset in spine anatomy teaching for gross anatomy, orthopaedics, and neurosurgery modules, or as a visual companion to CT-based discussions of C2 screw placement, Hangman fracture patterns (pars region), and preoperative planning notes in atlases and journal figures. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.