Rotation of the head from side to side, as in saying no, occurs at the
- A. knee joint
- B. shoulder joint
- C. joint between the skull and the atlas
- D. joint between the atlas and the axis
Explanation
The atlas rotates around the odontoid process of the axis, and this pivot joint carries the skull with it. The joint between the skull and the atlas is the tempting answer, but that one is a hinge type movement giving the nodding of yes, not rotation. Damage at this level is dangerous because the spinal cord passes through both vertebrae.