Which bone is found at the back and base of the skull?

Which bone is found at the back and base of the skull?

• A. Occipital bone
• B. Temporal bone
• C. Parietal bone
• D. Frontal bone

Answer: (A)

The skull’s back and base are formed mainly by the occipital bone. It makes up the posterior aspect of the skull and extends into the base of the skull, surrounding the foramen magnum—the large opening where the brainstem passes to become the spinal cord. It also carries the occipital condyles, which rest on the first cervical vertebra to help with head movement. In contrast, the temporal bones sit at the sides near the ears, the parietal bones cover the top and sides of the skull, and the frontal bone forms the forehead and anterior part of the skull. So the bone that matches being at the back and base is the occipital bone.

The skull’s back and base are formed mainly by the occipital bone. It makes up the posterior aspect of the skull and extends into the base of the skull, surrounding the foramen magnum—the large opening where the brainstem passes to become the spinal cord. It also carries the occipital condyles, which rest on the first cervical vertebra to help with head movement. In contrast, the temporal bones sit at the sides near the ears, the parietal bones cover the top and sides of the skull, and the frontal bone forms the forehead and anterior part of the skull. So the bone that matches being at the back and base is the occipital bone.