General Anatomy · Skeletal System · Medium

Odontoid

Meaning: Tooth-like peg projecting upward from the axis that articulates with the atlas.

In practice: Type II fractures through its base are the most common and the most unstable.

Word parts

Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.

Two questions on related general anatomy words.

Which word means: A spiral-shaped structure in the inner ear that detects sound.

Which word means: Region on the medial lung surface where bronchi, vessels and nerves enter and leave.

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