Occipitotransverse

Occipitotransverse is an anatomical term used in some texts to describe features or planes that involve the occipital bone and transverse structures of the skull base or upper cervical region. It is not a single standardized term, and its precise meaning can vary between authors. In many contexts, it is used to refer to relationships at the craniovertebral junction, particularly the interaction between the occipital bone and the atlas (the first cervical vertebra) and adjacent transverse dimensions or structures near the foramen magnum. The term may also appear in radiographic or surgical descriptions as a reference plane or axis passing through the occipital region and transverse elements of the skull base.

Etymology and scope: The word combines occipitus (back of the head) and transversus (across). Because usage is not uniform, occipitotransverse can denote different but related concepts in anatomy, radiology, or surgical planning, depending on the author or context. It does not correspond to a single named joint or ligament in standard anatomical nomenclature, but it often relates to the craniovertebral junction or to transverse spatial relationships surrounding the occipital bone.

Clinical and educational relevance: In clinical imaging and neurosurgical contexts, understanding occipitotransverse relationships can aid in describing the orientation of the craniovertebral junction, planning approaches near the foramen magnum, and interpreting anatomical variations of the skull base. When precision is required, clinicians favor established terms such as atlanto-occipital joints, occipital condyles, lambdoid sutures, and standard reference planes.

See also: occipital bone, atlas (C1), atlanto-occipital joint, occipitomastoid region, craniovertebral junction, foramen magnum, transverse plane.

References: Gray's Anatomy; Netter's Atlas; standard anatomical terminology references.