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    Related Topics

    From Musculoskeletal System

    Posterior Longitudinal Ligament
    Spinal ligament running along the back of the vertebral column.
    Nasal Bones
    Bones forming the bridge of the nose.
    Sternum
    Breastbone located in the center of the chest.
    Tarsals (7 bones)
    7 ankle bones.
    Sphenoid Bone
    Bone forming part of the base of the skull and sides of the orbits.
    Soleus
    Calf muscle responsible for plantarflexion of the foot.
    Vomer Bone
    Bone forming the nasal septum.
    Thoracic Vertebrae (T1 - T12)
    Vertebrae in the upper and mid-back (T1-T12).
    Pivot Joints
    e.g., atlanto-axial joint
    Rotator Cuff Muscles
    Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres Minor, Subscapularis.
    Symphyses
    Cartilaginous joints where bones are connected by fibrocartilage.
    Zygomaticus
    Muscle that raises the corners of the mouth.
    Lumbar Vertebrae (L1 - L5)
    Vertebrae in the lower back (L1-L5).
    Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL)
    Knee ligament that stabilizes the outer knee.
    Pubis
    Part of the pelvis that joins with the opposite side to form the pubic symphysis.
    Sesamoid Bones
    e.g., patella, some found in hands/feet.
    Maxillae
    Upper jaw bones that house the teeth and form part of the orbit.
    Lacrimal Bones
    Bones forming part of the eye socket and housing the tear ducts.
    Cranial Bones
    Bones of the skull that protect the brain.
    Biceps Brachii
    Muscle responsible for elbow flexion.
    Sacrum
    Triangular bone at the base of the spine.
    Coracoacromial Ligament
    Ligament that connects the acromion to the coracoid process.
    Temporalis
    Muscle involved in closing the jaw.
    Metatarsals (5 bones)
    5 bones forming the mid-foot.
    Coccygeus
    Pelvic floor muscle supporting the coccyx.

    Occipital Bone

    Reviewed by our medical team

    Bone forming the back and base of the skull.

    1. Overview

    The occipital bone is a large, trapezoidal bone located at the posterior and inferior part of the skull. It forms the back and base of the cranium and houses the foramen magnum, the opening through which the spinal cord passes to connect with the brain. As part of the neurocranium, it provides protection to the occipital lobe of the brain and contributes to the cranial cavity's structural integrity.

    2. Location

    The occipital bone is located at the posterior-inferior aspect of the skull:

    • Anteriorly: Articulates with the sphenoid bone.

    • Laterally: Articulates with the temporal bones and the parietal bones via the lambdoid suture.

    • Inferiorly: Continues with the foramen magnum and articulates with the atlas (C1 vertebra).

    • Medially: Forms the midline portion of the posterior cranial fossa.

    3. Structure

    The occipital bone is divided into four parts surrounding the foramen magnum:

    • Squamous part: Posterior to the foramen magnum; forms the back of the head and includes the external occipital protuberance and superior/inferior nuchal lines for muscle attachment.

    • Basilar part: Anterior to the foramen magnum; extends to the sphenoid bone and contributes to the clivus of the skull base.

    • Lateral (condylar) parts: Located on either side of the foramen magnum; contain the occipital condyles that articulate with the atlas (C1) to form the atlanto-occipital joint.

    Key features:

    • Foramen magnum: Large opening for the spinal cord, vertebral arteries, and accessory nerve (CN XI).

    • Occipital condyles: Oval-shaped surfaces that form a joint with the first cervical vertebra.

    • External occipital protuberance: Prominent bump on the midline for ligament and muscle attachment.

    • Nuchal lines: Transverse ridges for muscle attachment.

    4. Function

    The occipital bone serves multiple essential structural and biomechanical roles:

    • Protects the brain: Encases and shields the occipital lobes and cerebellum from external trauma.

    • Supports the skull base: Forms the posterior portion of the cranial floor and connects the cranium to the vertebral column.

    • Facilitates head movement: Through the occipital condyles, enables nodding movements at the atlanto-occipital joint.

    • Attachment for muscles and ligaments: Provides surface area for neck and back musculature such as trapezius, splenius capitis, and ligamentum nuchae.

    5. Physiological role(s)

    While the occipital bone itself is not directly involved in active physiological processes, it supports many vital functions through its structure:

    • Neuroprotection: Forms part of the cranial vault that protects the occipital lobe, which processes visual information.

    • Neurological conduit: The foramen magnum allows continuity of the central nervous system between brain and spinal cord.

    • Balance and coordination support: Protects the cerebellum, which plays a key role in posture and movement coordination.

    • Head posture and proprioception: Serves as the foundation for muscular control of head and neck alignment.

    6. Clinical Significance

    The occipital bone is clinically significant in both trauma and neurological contexts:

    • Occipital bone fracture:

      • Often due to high-energy trauma such as falls or vehicle accidents.

      • May be associated with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, cranial nerve damage, or brain injury.

    • Basilar skull fracture:

      • Involves the basilar part of the occipital bone and can cause severe complications like brainstem injury or venous sinus damage.

    • Chiari malformation:

      • A congenital condition where the cerebellum herniates through the foramen magnum, often requiring decompressive surgery involving the occipital bone.

    • Atlanto-occipital dislocation:

      • A rare but fatal injury where the occipital condyles are dislocated from the atlas vertebra.

    • Occipital neuralgia:

      • Caused by irritation of the greater occipital nerve, often due to tension or trauma near the external occipital protuberance.

    • Posterior cranial fossa tumors:

      • Tumors in this region may affect structures supported by the occipital bone and require careful imaging and surgical planning.

    Did you know? The smallest joint in the body is the stapes in the ear.