Craniovertebral

/ˌkreɪniəʊˈvɜːtɪbrəl/ adjective

Definition

Relating to the junction where the skull connects to the uppermost vertebrae of the spine.

Etymology

From cranio- (skull) + vertebral (relating to vertebrae, the bones of the spine, from Latin vertebra 'joint'). Medical term for the anatomically critical region where the head meets the neck.

Kelly Says

The craniovertebral junction is one of the most fragile yet critical spots in your body—damage here from a bad fall or car accident can cause paralysis because the spinal cord passes right through this narrow opening.

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