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Glite Dictionary
atlas vertebra

atlas vertebra

6.8
The top bone in the neck that supports the skull and lets the head nod
  • noun
  • /ˈæt.ləs ˈvɜːr.tɪ.brə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : vértebra atlas
  • The atlas vertebra supports the skull and allows the head to nod up and down.

Examples

  • Doctors examined the patient's atlas vertebra on the X-ray to check for abnormalities.

  • A fracture of the atlas vertebra can result in serious spinal cord injuries.

  • The atlas vertebra is crucial for head movement.

  • Doctors study the atlas vertebra in anatomy classes.

  • The atlas vertebra supports the skull and allows the head to nod up and down.

  • Doctors examined the patient's atlas vertebra on the X-ray to check for abnormalities.

  • A fracture of the atlas vertebra can result in serious spinal cord injuries.

Synonyms

atlas
vsatlas vertebra
  • Specialized
8.4

A bone at the top of the spine that supports the skull

adds that it enables nodding movement of the head

Surface Forms

atlas vertebra singular
atlas vertebrae plural

Morphology

atlas + vertebra

The meaning is directly compositional: it names a specific vertebra by combining 'atlas' (the C1 bone that supports the skull) with 'vertebra' (a spinal bone). Although technical, this noun+noun naming pattern is transparent and cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Atlas vertebra is named after the Greek hero Atlas, who held the world on his shoulders. This top bone in the neck, the vertebra, holds the head like Atlas held the world, so the name reminds us it 'supports the head' and lets the head nod.