The backbone (or spine) is a column usually consisting of 33 vertebrae.

Viewed laterally (left) the vertebral column presents several curves, which correspond to the different regions of the column. These are called the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and pelvic.

The uppermost vertebrae in the (uppermost) cervical section is called the 1st CERVICAL or ATLAS VERTEBRAE.

The name is taken from the Greek myth and relates to the God Atlas who held the globe of the world on his shoulders.

The 1st cervical or Atlas vertebrae is the only 'solid' bone connection between the head and the rest of the body. Greater support - and all movement - comes courtesy of the Semispinalis dorsi, Semispinalis cervicis and Semispinalis capitis muscles.