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    Related Topics

    From Musculoskeletal System

    Interspinous Ligament
    Spinal ligament between adjacent vertebral spinous processes.
    Clavicle
    Collarbone connecting the arm to the body.
    Thoracic Vertebrae (T1 - T12)
    Vertebrae in the upper and mid-back (T1-T12).
    Sutures (in the skull)
    Fibrous joints between skull bones.
    Levator Ani
    Pelvic floor muscle responsible for lifting the anus.
    Posterior Longitudinal Ligament
    Spinal ligament running along the back of the vertebral column.
    Rotator Cuff Tendons
    Tendons of the rotator cuff muscles.
    Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL)
    Knee ligament that stabilizes the inner knee.
    Diaphragm
    Primary muscle for breathing.
    Buccinator
    Muscle that helps with chewing and blowing air out.
    Extensor Tendons
    Tendons that help extend the fingers and toes.
    Lumbar Vertebrae (L1 - L5)
    Vertebrae in the lower back (L1-L5).
    Coccyx
    Tailbone, the remnant of the tail in humans.
    Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL)
    Knee ligament that stabilizes the joint.
    Zygomatic Bones
    Cheekbones that form part of the orbit.
    Iliolumbar Ligament
    Ligament connecting the ilium and lumbar vertebrae.
    Quadriceps Tendon
    Tendon that connects the quadriceps to the patella.
    Soleus
    Calf muscle responsible for plantarflexion of the foot.
    Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL)
    Knee ligament that stabilizes the outer knee.
    Inferior Nasal Conchae
    Bones inside the nasal cavity that filter and humidify air.
    Anterior Longitudinal Ligament
    Spinal ligament running along the front of the vertebral column.
    Quadriceps
    Rectus Femoris, Vastus Medialis, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Intermedius.
    Femur
    Thigh bone, the longest and strongest bone in the body.
    Carpals (8 bones)
    8 wrist bones.
    Deltoid
    Shoulder muscle responsible for arm abduction.

    Parietal Bones

    Reviewed by our medical team

    Bones forming the sides and roof of the skull.

    1. Overview

    The parietal bones are a pair of large, curved, quadrilateral bones forming a significant portion of the superior and lateral walls of the cranium. These bones are essential components of the neurocranium, enclosing and protecting the brain, particularly the parietal lobes. The right and left parietal bones meet at the top of the skull and contribute to its overall strength and structure.

    2. Location

    The parietal bones are located on the upper lateral sides of the skull:

    • Superiorly: Meet each other at the sagittal suture.

    • Anteriorly: Articulate with the frontal bone at the coronal suture.

    • Posteriorly: Articulate with the occipital bone at the lambdoid suture.

    • Inferiorly: Articulate with the temporal and sphenoid bones at the squamosal and sphenoparietal sutures, respectively.

    3. Structure

    Each parietal bone is thin, flat, and curved, contributing to the cranial vault:

    • External surface: Convex and smooth, provides attachment for the temporalis muscle; marked by parietal eminence (a rounded prominence).

    • Internal surface: Concave and grooved for meningeal vessels, especially the middle meningeal artery.

    • Four borders: Frontal (anterior), occipital (posterior), temporal (inferior), and sagittal (medial).

    • Four angles: Frontal, sphenoidal, occipital, and mastoid angles, which connect with corresponding bones.

    The bone consists of two layers of compact bone (inner and outer tables) with cancellous bone (diploë) in between, providing strength and lightness.

    4. Function

    The parietal bones serve several crucial roles in cranial protection and form:

    • Protect the brain: Enclose the parietal lobes of the brain, shielding them from external trauma.

    • Structural support: Contribute to the cranial vault, maintaining the shape and strength of the skull.

    • Muscle attachment: Provide surfaces for temporalis and other muscles of mastication and facial expression.

    • Formation of sutures: Interlock with surrounding bones to form immovable joints that stabilize the skull.

    5. Physiological role(s)

    Although passive in terms of direct physiological processes, the parietal bones support vital functions by:

    • Enabling cerebral protection: Encase brain tissue, especially the parietal lobes responsible for sensory perception and spatial orientation.

    • Assisting thermoregulation: The scalp and underlying skull dissipate heat produced by brain metabolism.

    • Providing pathways: Grooves on the inner surface house vessels like the middle meningeal artery, essential for cranial perfusion.

    6. Clinical Significance

    Parietal bones are involved in several clinical and surgical conditions:

    • Skull fractures:

      • Parietal bones are commonly fractured in head trauma due to their exposure; may result in epidural hematomas if the middle meningeal artery is torn.

    • Craniotomy procedures:

      • Parietal regions are often accessed surgically to reach underlying brain tissue during tumor resections or hemorrhage evacuation.

    • Hydrocephalus and cranial expansion:

      • In pediatric patients, parietal bones may expand or bulge in conditions like hydrocephalus or craniosynostosis.

    • Parietal foramina anomalies:

      • Small openings near the sagittal suture may transmit emissary veins; enlarged foramina can be associated with syndromes like cleidocranial dysostosis.

    • Decompression surgery:

      • Increased intracranial pressure may require removal of a parietal bone flap (decompressive craniectomy).

    Did you know? Ligaments hold bones together and are tough yet flexible.