Fracture of the Odontoid process may occur, however, without displacement, the transverse ligament retaining the fragment in position and protecting the cord from injury.
"Manual of Surgery Volume Second: Extremities--Head--Neck. Sixth Edition."
Alexander Miles Alexis Thomson
On the upper surface of the axis, the second vertebra, is a peg or process, called the Odontoid process from its resemblance to a tooth.
"A Practical Physiology"
Albert F. Blaisdell
Put the right forefinger of the other hand up through the front part to represent the Odontoid process of the axis, and place some absorbent cotton through the other part to represent the spinal cord.
"A Practical Physiology"
Albert F. Blaisdell