(pro-at´lәs) a rudimentary vertebra that lies in front of the atlas in some animals; sometimes seen in humans as an anomaly in the lower posterior part of the skull. Found on http://www.encyclo.co.uk/local/21001
Pro·at'las noun [ Prefix pro- + atlas .] (Anat.) A vertebral rudiment in front of the atlas in some reptiles. Found on http://www.encyclo.co.uk/webster/P/164