| Type | Synovial ellipsoid joint; biaxial |
| Articular surfaces | Occipital condyles, superior articular facets of atlas |
| Ligaments | Posterior atlantooccipital ligament, anterior atlantooccipital ligament |
| Innervation | C1 spinal nerve |
| Blood supply | Anastomosis between deep cervical, occipital and vertebral arteries |
| Movements | Principal movement; Flexion - extension |
| Limited lateral flexion |