occipital condyle

views updated May 29 2018

occipital condyle A single or paired bony knob that protrudes from the occipital bone of the skull and articulates with the first cervical vertebra (the atlas). In humans there is a pair of occipital condyles, one on each side of the foramen magnum. Occipital condyles are absent in most fish, which cannot move their heads.

occipital condyle

views updated May 08 2018

occipital condyle At the back of the skull, a bony knob which articulates with the first vertebra. It is absent in fish, and double in amphibians and mammals.

occipital condyle

views updated May 14 2018

occipital condyle At the back of the skull, a bony knob which articulates with the first vertebra. It is absent in fish, and double in amphibians and mammals.