Description
There are two lateral atlantoaxial joints. They are plane synovial which allow a gliding movement. The articulating surfaces of these lateral joints are the large lateral masses of the atlas and the superior articular facets of the axis.
The lateral masses of the atlas are arched at their posterior and anterior ends, while the superior articular facets of the axis are sloped inferiorly to accommodate the lateral masses. This combined shaping and sloping allows for the steady and easy gliding movement.
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Atlantoaxial Joint
The atlantoaxial joint is made up of the articulation between the anterior arch of the atlas and the dens of the axis, between the dens and the transverse ligament of the atlas with its articular cartilage, and between the lateral mass of the atlas and the body of the axis.
