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.

A Dictionary of Biology

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.

A Dictionary of Earth Sciences AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY

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.

A Dictionary of Zoology MICHAEL ALLABY

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occipital condyle

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