Epistropheus
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Part of speech noun
Quick meaning: Epistropheus is a noun meaning (anatomy) The second cervical vertebra of the spine which forms the pivot upon which the first cervical vertebra (the atlas), which carries the head, rotates.
Meaning
(anatomy) The second cervical vertebra of the spine which forms the pivot upon which the first cervical vertebra (the atlas), which carries the head, rotates.
Example Sentences
The union of the atlas and epistropheus is described in this section because (1) there is often a direct communication between the synovial cavity of the transverse epistropic and the occipito-atlantal joints; (2) the rotatory movements of the head take place around the dens (odontoid process); and (3) important ligaments from the dens pass over the atlas to the occiput.
Synonyms for epistropheus
Depending on context, synonyms include axis.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include axis, atlas, cervical, acantha, epipophysis, episternum.
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Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
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