atlanto-, atlant- +

(Greek: Atlas, atlas; Atlant[os])

From Atlas, the god who was responsible for "bearing [carrying] the heavens on his shoulders".


atlantal
1. Relating to the atlas (first vertebra of the neck, articulating immediately with the skull).
2. Characteristic of or relating to the atlas.
atlantoaxial
1. A reference to the atlas and the axis; denoting the joint between the first two cervical vertebrae.
2. Pertaining to the first and second cervical vertebrae which meet at a joint called the atlantoaxial joint.

The uppermost cervical vertebra (the atlas) rotates around the odontoid process of the second cervical vertebra (the axis). The joint between the axis and atlas is a pivot type of joint that allows the head to turn.

atlantoaxial
Referring to the atlas and the axis; denoting the joint between the first two cervical vertebrae.
atlantodidymus
Conjoined twins with two heads on one neck and a single body.
atlantomastoid
A reference to the atlas and the mastoid process (the nipple-like projection of the petrous, rocky or hard, part of the temporal bone).

The atlas is the first vertebra in the neck. It supports the head at the base of the skull and is also known as the first cervical vertebra.

atlanto-occipital
Relating to the atlas and the occipital bone.

The atlas refers to the first vertebra of the neck, articulating immediately with the skull, thus sustaining the globe of the head, whence the name.

atlanto-occipital joint, articulatio atlanto-occipitalis, atlanto-occipital articulation
A condylar (rounded articular surface at the extremity of a bone) synovial joint (joint in which the opposing bony surfaces are covered with a layer of hyaline cartilage or fibrocartilage) between the superior articular facets of the atlas and the condyles (rounded articular surface at the extremity of a bone) of the occipital bone (bone forming the rear and rear bottom of the skull).
atlanto-odontoid
Relating to the atlas and the dens of the axis.

The dens is a strong toothlike process projecting upward from the body of the axis, or epistropheus (pivot), around which the atlas rotates.

Atlantosaurus
“Atlas lizard” named for a giant in Greek myth from Late Jurassic Colorado, USA. Named by Othniel Charles Marsh (1831-1899) in 187
7. Some say it may be an Apatosaurus.

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