EXOCCIPITAL Meaning and
Definition
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Exoccipital is an anatomical term primarily used in the field of vertebrate biology, particularly in the study of skulls and the skeletal structures associated with the head region. It refers to a bone or a pair of bones located in the posterior region of the skull, specifically in the occipital region of the cranium.
The exoccipital bones can be found in certain vertebrates, such as reptiles, birds, and some mammals, including many primates. These bones are situated at the margin of the occipital region, forming part of the base of the skull and contributing to the formation of the occipital condyle.
The exoccipital bone is usually located on the lateral sides of the foramen magnum, which is the large opening at the base of the skull. Its shape and size may vary between different species, but it generally contributes to the articulation and attachment of the skull with the vertebral column, aiding in support and movement of the head.
In some vertebrates, particularly birds and reptiles, the exoccipital bone(s) may also contribute to the formation of other anatomical structures, such as the auditory region, the upper neck region, or the occipital crest, serving specific functions for each species.
Overall, the exoccipital bone is an important component of the skull, providing support and facilitating various physiological functions related to head movement and stability in different vertebrate groups.
Common Misspellings for EXOCCIPITAL
- wxoccipital
- sxoccipital
- dxoccipital
- rxoccipital
- 4xoccipital
- 3xoccipital
- ezoccipital
- ecoccipital
- edoccipital
- esoccipital
- exiccipital
- exkccipital
- exlccipital
- expccipital
- ex0ccipital
- ex9ccipital
- exoxcipital
- exovcipital
- exofcipital
Etymology of EXOCCIPITAL
The word "exoccipital" has its roots in Latin and Greek. The Latin prefix "ex" means "out" or "outside", while "occipital" refers to the occipital bone located at the back of the skull. In turn, the word "occipital" originates from the Latin word "occiput", meaning "back of the head". The combination of "ex" and "occipital" in the word "exoccipital" suggests something that is outside or separate from the occipital bone.
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