The condyles are the smooth articular surfaces for the atlas. They are comma shaped projections of the inferior surface of the bone situated anterolateral to the foramen magnum.

Occiput is Latin for the back portion of the head. It is derived from the prefix ob- meaning on, against, or opposite, combined with the Latin caput meaning head. Condyle derives from the Greek word kondulos meaning knuckle or knob.

Condylus occipitalis

Condyle occipital