Bone
Occipital bone
Back and base of the skull
High-yield
The foramen magnum transmits the medulla/spinal cord, vertebral arteries, and CN XI; the occipital condyles form the atlanto-occipital ('yes') joint.
Overview
The bone of the posterior and inferior cranium surrounding the foramen magnum, where the brainstem becomes the spinal cord.
Reference facts
- Bone type
- Flat
- Key landmarks
- Foramen magnum; Occipital condyles; External occipital protuberance (inion); Nuchal lines; Hypoglossal canal; Clivus (with sphenoid)
- Articulations
- Parietal bones (lambdoid suture); Temporal and sphenoid bones; Atlas (atlanto-occipital joint)
Frequently asked questions
What type of bone is the occipital bone?
The occipital bone is a flat bone.
What does the occipital bone articulate with?
The occipital bone articulates with the parietal bones (lambdoid suture); Temporal and sphenoid bones; Atlas (atlanto-occipital joint).
What are the key landmarks of the occipital bone?
Key landmarks of the occipital bone include the foramen magnum; Occipital condyles; External occipital protuberance (inion); Nuchal lines; Hypoglossal canal; Clivus (with sphenoid).