noun
- Plural of odontoid; tooth-like projections or structures, especially the peg-like process on the second cervical vertebra (axis vertebra) in the spine.
Usage: anatomy; medical
Examples
- The odontoids are important bony landmarks in the cervical spine.
- Fractures of the odontoids can occur from severe neck trauma.
- The radiologist examined the odontoids on the X-ray to rule out injury.
- Odontoids provide structural support for neck rotation and movement.