Read the following paragraph and identify the correct set of terms to fill in the blanks (A), (B), (C), and (D). The human skull possesses two (A) which articulate with the first vertebra called the (B). All ribs in humans are described as (C) because they have two articulation surfaces on their dorsal end. The joint between (B) and the second vertebra is a (D) joint.

Step-by-step solution

The human skull is dicondylic, meaning it possesses two occipital condyles (A). These condyles articulate with the first cervical vertebra, which is known as the atlas (B). Each rib is a thin flat bone connected dorsally to the vertebral column. It has two articulation surfaces on its dorsal end and is hence called bicephalic (C). The joint between the atlas and the second vertebra (axis) is a specific type of synovial joint known as a pivot joint (D). Therefore, the correct sequence of terms is occipital condyles,