C1

Medical abbreviation · Anatomy

C1
Stands forFirst cervical vertebra (atlas)
CategoriesMedical

C1 stands for First cervical vertebra (atlas), an anatomy abbreviation.

Topmost vertebra, a ring of bone without a vertebral body or spinous process, which supports the skull and allows nodding. It is named the atlas after the Titan who held up the heavens, and it pivots around the peg-like dens of C2.

Example: CT: Jefferson fracture of C1 with lateral mass displacement.

Usage notes

A Jefferson fracture is a burst fracture of the ring, typically from axial loading such as diving into shallow water. The joint between the skull and C1 provides much of the neck's nodding motion. In immunology C1 refers to the first complement component, as in C1 esterase inhibitor.

More anatomy abbreviations

  • ANS – Autonomic nervous system
  • Ao – Aorta
  • ASIS – Anterior superior iliac spine
  • ATFL – Anterior talofibular ligament
  • BBB – Blood-brain barrier
  • C-spine – Cervical spine
  • C2 – Second cervical vertebra (axis)
  • C5-C6 – Fifth and sixth cervical vertebrae (intervertebral level)
  • C7 – Seventh cervical vertebra (vertebra prominens)
  • CBD – Common bile duct
  • CFA – Common femoral artery
  • CMC – Carpometacarpal (joint)

See all 70 anatomy abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.