Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

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What are the first vertebrae known as?

Axis
Atlas
Thoracic
Scapula

The correct answer is: Atlas

The first vertebrae of the spine are known as the atlas. The atlas is significant because it supports the globe of the head, allowing for nodding movements as well as rotation, which is critical for head and neck mobility. This vertebra is uniquely shaped to articulate with the occipital bone of the skull, forming the atlanto-occipital joint. In terms of anatomy, the atlas does not have a vertebral body like most vertebrae and is instead a ring-like structure. Its design enables it to hold and stabilize the skull, facilitating various ranges of motion. This is crucial in many functions, including the ability to maintain balance and proper vision. The options related to the axis and thoracic vertebrae refer to different vertebrae in the spine. The axis, for instance, is the second cervical vertebra that allows for rotation of the head, while the thoracic vertebrae refer to the mid-back vertebrae that articulate with the ribs. The scapula, on the other hand, is a bone in the shoulder girdle, not a vertebra at all. Understanding these differences highlights why the atlas is correctly recognized as the first vertebra.