MASTOOCCIPITAL Meaning and
Definition
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Mastooccipital refers to the part of the skull that connects the mastoid process with the occipital bone. The mastoid process is a prominent bony protrusion located behind the external ear, whereas the occipital bone is situated at the back of the skull. When combined, the mastooccipital region forms a crucial junction between the temporal and occipital bones.
In terms of anatomy, the mastooccipital area provides attachment points for various muscles, ligaments, and tendons involved in head movement and stabilization. These include the sternocleidomastoid muscle, which helps in tilting and rotating the head, as well as the splenius capitis muscle, which aids in extending and rotating the head and neck. Additionally, the mastooccipital junction supports the attachment of the anterior belly of the digastric muscle, which assists in opening the mouth and depressing the mandible.
Within the mastooccipital region, important structures such as nerves and blood vessels pass through or near this area. For instance, the mastoid emissary vein, which drains blood from the cranial cavity, can be found in close proximity to the mastooccipital junction. There are also nerves and vessels involved in supplying the muscles and connective tissues present in this region.
Overall, the mastooccipital is a significant anatomical feature that contributes to the structural integrity and functional movements of the head and neck.
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Relating to the mastoid portion of the temporal bone and to the occipital bone, noting the suture uniting them, mastoccipital.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MASTOOCCIPITAL
- mastooccipitad
- mastooccipitah
- mastooccipitan
- mastooccipitam
- mastooccipietal
- mastwooccipital
- m astooccipital
- ma stooccipital
- mas tooccipital
- mast ooccipital
- masto occipital
- mastoo ccipital
- mastooc cipital
- mastoocc ipital
- mastooccipi tal
- mastooccipit al
- mastooccipita l
Etymology of MASTOOCCIPITAL
The word "mastooccipital" is derived from the combination of two anatomical terms, "masto-" and "occipital".
"Masto-" originates from the Greek word "mastós" (μαστός), which means "breast" or "breast-shaped". In anatomical terms, "masto-" is commonly used to refer to structures that resemble or are related to the breast.
"Occipital" comes from the Latin word "occiput", meaning the "back of the head". It specifically refers to the occipital bone, which forms the back and base of the skull.
By combining these two terms, "mastooccipital" describes a structure or area that pertains to both the breast-like structures and the occiput or the back of the head.
