Question

The vertebra which bears the whole weight of the skull is:-
A. Atlas
B. Axis
C. Cervical
D. Sacral

Answer 1

Hint: Our skeletal system is divided into two parts:- axial and appendicular skeleton system. A total of 80 bones are distributed along the main axis of the body and forms the axial skeleton and includes the skull, vertebral column, sternum and the ribs. Skull consists of a total of 22 bones divided into cranial and facial bones. It is the bony structure that forms the head and protects the brain.

Complete Step by Step Answer:
There are 26 serially arranged units called vertebrae and is dorsally placed and forms the vertebral column. The vertebral column is divided into 5 regions:- cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral and coccyx region. The first vertebra is the Atlas (also known as C1) which articulates with the occipital condyles (are the two rounded knobs present at the base of the occipital bone of skull). The Atlas bears the whole weight of the skull. It is named after Atlas of Greek mythology because as the Atlas supported the globe, it support the entire head.

The second vertebra is the axis which along with the Atlas is responsible for the wide range of motion of the head.

The sacral region of the vertebral column forms a triangular bony structure known as sacrum. It is a single vertebra in the adults and in the embryonic stage there are 5 vertebrae which later fuse to form one structure.

Thus, the correct answer is option A:- Atlas

Note: The whole vertebral column protects the spinal cord, supports the head and serves as the point of attachment for the ribs and musculature of the back.