Step 1: The atlanto-axial joint lies between the atlas (C1) and the axis (C2), pivoting around the dens of the axis. It is a pivot type of synovial joint.
Step 2: This pivot allows the atlas, and the skull resting on it, to rotate around the dens, producing turning of the head from side to side - the gesture for indicating disapproval or saying NO.
Step 3: The atlanto-occipital joint instead permits flexion and extension, that is nodding of the head as when indicating approval or YES, so it does not produce side-to-side rotation. The lower cervical joints contribute little to this specific rotation.
Step 4: The joint responsible for side-to-side head turning is the atlanto-axial joint.