The atlanto-occipital joint allows the head to nod up and down on the vertebral column. The dens acts as a pivot that allows the atlas and attached head to rotate on the axis, side to side.Click to see full answer. Beside this, what does the first cervical vertebra c1 or Atlas lack?The atlas (C1) lacks a body or spinous process. The axis (C2) is unique with an odontoid process (the dens) projecting from its superior surface. The vertebra prominens (C7) has the longest spinous process of all cervical vertebrae. It is also non-bifid.Beside above, what articulates with the hip bone laterally? Sacrum (figs. Five (sometimes six) vertebrae are fused in the adult to form the sacrum, which can be felt below the “small of the back.” The sacrum articulates above with L5, laterally with the hip bones, and inferiorly with the coccyx. Also know, which vertebral structure is the cavity that encloses the spinal cord? In combination with the vertebral body, the vertebral arch forms an enclosed hole – the vertebral foramen. The foramina of the all vertebrae line up to form the vertebral canal, which encloses the spinal cord.What is the vertebral type containing foramina in the transverse processes? Terms in this set (24) Structure that encloses the nerve cord. Openings providing for exit of spinal nerves. Atlas, axis and cervical vertebra—typical. Type of vertebrae containing foramina in the transverse processes, through which the vertebral arteries ascend to reach the brain.