Atlas is one of the ______________ vertebrae. Options: Thoracic Sacral Cervical Lumbar

Answer

The correct answer is Cervical. The atlas is the top-most vertebra (C1) in the spinal column. It is classified as a cervical vertebra, specifically the first cervical vertebra, which supports the globe of the head. It is named after the Greek myth of Atlas, because it supports the entire head just as Atlas supported the world. The cervical region comprises the first seven vertebrae of the spinal column located in the neck area. In contrast, thoracic vertebrae are in the middle back, lumbar vertebrae are in the lower back, and the sacrum (sacral vertebrae) is located at the base of the spine.