It is named after the Greek Godd Atlas, who holds up
the world.
The C2 disc
is called
the Axis, because it supports C1 and
is considered
the equivalent of the axis on which Atlas stands. Injuries to cervical discs C1 through C4. although it does happen are considered unusual and dangerous. One of the reasons is that your breathing is controlled by the spinal cord in this area and a severe injury to the spinal cord in this area, would result in paralysis from the neck down.