The cervical vertebrae are seven vertically aligned bones that form the most cranial portion of the spine. The first cervical vertebra (C1) articulates with the occipital bone of the skull, while the seventh cervical vertebra (C7) articulates with the first thoracic vertebra (T1).

All cervical vertebrae are classified into two groups depending on their anatomical features, and each cervical vertebra can be either typical or atypical.

The axis (C2) is classified as an atypical cervical vertebra because it has a specialized process called dens or odontoid process. The dens projects in the superior direction from the upper aspect of the vertebral body of the axis.

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