OCCIPITAL Meaning and
Definition
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Occipital is an adjective that refers to or relates to the occiput, which is the back part of the skull or head. Specifically, it pertains to the occipital bone, which is the curved, flattened bone at the lower rear part of the skull. The occipital bone houses and protects the occipital lobes of the brain, which are responsible for processing visual information.
In terms of anatomy, the occipital region is the area at the back of the head, encompassing the occipital bone, muscles, and tissues associated with it. It forms the posterior part of the skull and is located above the nape of the neck.
In medical terminology, occipital often refers to conditions or structures related to the occipital bone or region. For example, occipital neuralgia is a painful condition characterized by chronic headaches originating from the occipital nerves located in the back of the head. Additionally, the occipital lobe is one of the four main lobes of the brain, primarily involved in processing visual stimuli and enabling visual perception.
Overall, the term occipital pertains to the back part of the skull, including the bone, region, and structures associated with it in anatomical and medical contexts.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Pert. to the back part of the head.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for OCCIPITAL
Etymology of OCCIPITAL
The word "occipital" originates from the Latin term "occiput", which refers to the back of the head. "Occiput" is derived from two Latin words: "ob" (meaning "against" or "towards") and "caput" (meaning "head"). Therefore, "occipital" literally means "pertaining to the back of the head". It is commonly used to describe the occipital bone, which forms the lower back part of the skull.
Similar spelling word for OCCIPITAL
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