The Two Vertebrae That Articulate to Allow Pivoting of the Head

Question

The two vertebrae that articulate to allow pivoting of the head are atlas and axis.

Accepted Answer

The atlas (C1) articulates with the occipital bone and allows the head to nod up and down, while the axis (C2) has a dens or odontoid process that allows for rotation of the head. Together, they allow for the pivoting of the head.