Occipitocervical refers to the body region where the occiput (the back part of the skull) and the cervical spine (the neck vertebrae) meet. This area is crucial for head and neck movement and stability.
In medical contexts, occipitocervical fusion or stabilization may be performed in cases of trauma, congenital abnormalities, tumors, or degenerative diseases affecting this junction, to provide support and prevent neurological damage. The occipitocervical region is also critical in neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, and related fields due to its structural and functional importance in supporting the skull and protecting the spinal cord.