why is the c1 vertebra called the atlas
Atlas (anatomy) It is named for the Atlas of Greek mythology, because it supports the globe of the head.[1]
Occipital bone The occipital bone (/ˌɒkˈsɪpɪtəl/) is a cranial dermal bone, and is the main bone of the occiput (back and lower part of the skull). It is trapezoidal in shape and curved on itself like a shallow dish. The occipital bone overlies the occipital lobes of the cerebrum. At the base of the skull in the occipital bone there is a large oval opening called the foramen magnum, which allows the passage of the spinal cord.