Superior Articular Facet Of Axis Bone, Lateral View

Description

Axis (C2) anatomy is centered on the superior articular facet and the stout pedicle that bridges the vertebral body to the posterior arch in a lateral projection. The superior articular facet sits superiorly and slightly posterior to the vertebral body, forming the caudal half of the lateral atlantoaxial joint with the inferior articular facet of the atlas (C1). Just inferior to the facet, the pedicle extends posterolaterally to meet the lamina, creating a bony corridor between the spinal canal medially and the transverse foramen, with its vertebral artery, more laterally. Cortical margins at the facet rim and pedicle outline are emphasized for orientation. C2 is a workhorse vertebra in trauma and stabilization, and the relationship between the superior articular facet and pedicle determines safe hardware trajectories. Odontoid fractures and atlantoaxial instability often prompt posterior fixation, where C2 pedicle or pars screws must respect the medial border of the spinal canal and the lateral proximity of the transverse foramen to avoid vertebral artery injury, while also maintaining purchase in the dense cortical bone adjacent to the facet. Facet orientation matters. The fixed lateral perspective helps learners judge the superior inferior slope of the facet and the pedicle’s depth relative to the vertebral body and posterior elements, the same spatial problem faced when planning operative corridors on CT. Use this illustration in cervical spine modules for gross anatomy, orthopaedic or neurosurgical teaching files, and textbook figures on C1 to C2 biomechanics, odontoid fracture fixation, and posterior screw placement techniques. It also fits radiology education when correlating lateral bony landmarks with CT bone windows of the axis. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.