odontoid process

noun

anatomy the toothlike upward projection at the back of the second vertebra of the neck

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Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It turned out that he had fractured his odontoid process--a little thumb of bone that sticks up from the second cervical vertebra.

The odontoid process of the second vertebra is pig-like: and the tibia and fibula and radius and ulna are severally distinct.

The odontoid process of the second cervical vertebra, when that bone is free, is usually very obtuse, or even obsolete.

When this occurs suddenly, the odontoid process may impinge on the medulla and upper part of the cord and cause sudden death.

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