| 释义 |
odontoid process noun[ Cusually singular ] anatomy specializeduk /əʊˈdɒn.tɔɪd ˌprəʊ.ses/ us /oʊˈdɑːn.tɔɪd ˌprɑː.ses/(alsodens, uk /denz/ us /denz/pluraldentesuk /ˈden.tiːz/ us /ˈden.tiːz/) a tooth-like structure that points upwards on the back of the second vertebra(= one of the small bones in the spine) in the neck, and around which the other vertebrae turn: He may have fractured his atlas, or the odontoid process of his axis. The odontoid process articulates with the anterior arch of the atlas bone, where they form a pivot joint. The anterior arch contains a facet for articulation with the dens of the axis. One of the most prominent features of the axis bone is a superior, tooth-like projection called the odontoid process. The odontoid process of the axis is its most vulnerable part, and is usually injured by a direct blow to the front of the patient's skull. The alar ligaments are strong, rounded cords, which arise on either side of the upper part of the odontoid process. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases Bone structures acetabular acetabulum acromial acromioclavicular acromion foramen magnum frontal bone glenoid gnathic gynecoid osteophyte osteotomy parietal parietal bone pectoral girdle TMJ trapezoidal triquetrum true rib tubercle |