Atlanto-occipital joint
The atlanto-occipital joint consists of a pair of condyloid joints. The atlanto-occipital joint is a synovial joint.Ligaments
The ligaments connecting the bones are:
The capsules of the atlantooccipital articulation surround the condyles of the occipital bone, and connect them with the articular processes of the atlas: they are thin and loose.Motions
The movements permitted in this joint are:
Flexion is produced mainly by the action of the longi capitis and recti capitis anteriores; extension by the recti capitis posteriores major and minor, the obliquus capitis superior, the semispinalis capitis, splenius capitis, sternocleidomastoideus, and upper fibers of the trapezius.
The recti laterales are concerned in the lateral movement, assisted by the trapezius, splenius capitis, semispinalis capitis, and the sternocleidomastoideus of the same side, all acting together.Additional images
