Bone
Parietal bone
Roof and sides of the cranium
High-yield
The pterion (thin junction of frontal, parietal, temporal, sphenoid) overlies the middle meningeal artery - fracture risks epidural hematoma.
Overview
A paired flat bone forming most of the roof and lateral walls of the cranial vault.
Reference facts
- Bone type
- Flat
- Key landmarks
- Parietal eminence; Superior and inferior temporal lines; Groove for the middle meningeal artery
- Articulations
- Opposite parietal (sagittal suture); Frontal (coronal suture); Occipital (lambdoid suture); Temporal and sphenoid bones
Clinical correlation
Pterion fracture may tear the middle meningeal artery → extradural (epidural) hematoma.
Frequently asked questions
What type of bone is the parietal bone?
The parietal bone is a flat bone.
What does the parietal bone articulate with?
The parietal bone articulates with the opposite parietal (sagittal suture); Frontal (coronal suture); Occipital (lambdoid suture); Temporal and sphenoid bones.
What are the key landmarks of the parietal bone?
Key landmarks of the parietal bone include the parietal eminence; Superior and inferior temporal lines; Groove for the middle meningeal artery.