How Do You Spell SUBOCCIPITAL?

Pronunciation: [sˈʌbəksˌɪpɪtə͡l] (IPA)

The word "suboccipital" is one that can pose a challenge when it comes to spelling. It refers to the region located below the occipital bone of the skull. The phonetic transcription of this word is /sʌbɒkˈsɪpɪt(ə)l/ which breaks the word down into separate sounds. The "sub" prefix means below, occipital refers to the skull bone, and "al" is a suffix that means relating to. Remembering the breakdown of the word can help with correct spelling in the future.

SUBOCCIPITAL Meaning and Definition

1. Suboccipital is an adjective that refers to the area or region located beneath the occipital bone at the base of the skull. The term derives from the combination of "sub-" meaning beneath or below, and "occipital," which pertains to the back part of the head.

   In anatomy, the suboccipital region includes various muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and other structures found at the base of the skull. It is primarily composed of four pairs of muscles known as the suboccipital muscles that help to support and stabilize the head and neck. These muscles include the rectus capitis posterior major, the rectus capitis posterior minor, the obliquus capitis superior, and the obliquus capitis inferior. Collectively, these muscles play a crucial role in controlling the movements and alignment of the head and neck.

   The suboccipital muscles are innervated by the suboccipital nerve, a nerve branch originating from the posterior arch of the first cervical vertebra, also known as the atlas or C1. This nerve provides sensory and motor innervation to the suboccipital muscles, transmitting signals to and from the brain.

   Understanding the suboccipital region is essential in fields like neurology, neurosurgery, and chiropractic medicine, where knowledge of the structures and functions in this area aid in diagnosing and treating various conditions affecting the head, neck, and upper spine.

2. Below the occiput or the occipital bone.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

3. Being under the occiput.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for SUBOCCIPITAL

• subocciptal
• auboccipital
• zuboccipital
• xuboccipital
• duboccipital
• euboccipital
• wuboccipital
• syboccipital
• shboccipital
• sjboccipital
• siboccipital
• s8boccipital
• s7boccipital
• suvoccipital
• sunoccipital
• suhoccipital
• sugoccipital
• subiccipital
• subkccipital
• sublccipital

Etymology of SUBOCCIPITAL

The word "suboccipital" is derived from Latin. Here is the breakdown:

1. "Sub-" is a Latin prefix meaning "below" or "under".

2. "Occipital" comes from the Latin word "occiput", which means "back of the head" or "skull". It is derived from the combination of "ob" (meaning "against" or "towards") and "caput" (meaning "head").

When combined, "suboccipital" literally means "below the occiput" or "under the back of the head". This term is commonly used in anatomy to refer to the suboccipital region, which refers to the area located below the occipital bone at the base of the skull.