atlanto-occipital
adjective
at·lan·to-oc·cip·i·tal
-äk-ˈsip-ət-ᵊl 
: relating to or being structures (as a joint or ligament) joining the atlas and the occipital bone
The atlanto-occipital joint straddles the spinal cord and the foramen magnum on either side and is V-shaped, slanting caudally and medially.—
Bentley A. Ogoke, Pain Physician
Bentley A. Ogoke, Pain PhysicianA blow to the neck by a hockey puck may produce arterial rupture where the vertebral artery penetrates the posterior atlanto-occipital membrane or the dura mater.—Barry J. Maron et al., The Journal of the American Medical Association
Barry J. Maron et al., The Journal of the American Medical AssociationCite this Entry
“Atlanto-occipital.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/atlanto-occipital. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
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