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at·lan·to-oc·cip·i·tal | \ -äk-ˈsip-ət-ᵊl 
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\Medical Definition of atlanto-occipital
: relating to or being structures (as a joint or ligament) joining the atlas and the occipital bone
The atlanto-occipital joint straddles the spinal cord and the foramen magnum on either side and is V-shaped, slanting caudally and medially.— Bentley A. Ogoke, Pain Physician, July 2000 A blow to the neck by a hockey puck may produce arterial rupture where the vertebral artery penetrates the posterior atlanto-occipital membrane or the dura mater.— Barry J. Maron et al., The Journal of the American Medical Association, 6 Aug. 2003
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