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Graphics, Layout, and Text Copyright © 1995 by Turhon Murad
Design, and Graphics Copyright ©1995 by Nanci Ellis
Project was sponsored, in part, by Technology and Learning Program, CSU, Chico
The Occipital Bone consists of a large squamous, or flattened portion separated from a small
thick basal portion by the Foramen Magnum on either side of which
is a left or right Occipital Condyle. The occipital condyles articulate with the
first cervical vertebrae (the Atlas). Externally, the squamous
portion of the bone possesses Superior, Middle, and Inferior Nuchal
Lines to which the muscles at the back of the neck are attached. The
External Occipital Protuberance lies on the superior nuchal line
in the mid-sagittal plain. Lateral to each occipital condyle are the
Condylar Fossae and Foramen while the Hypoglossal
Canal is medial to them.
Internally, are the Sagittal and Transverse Sulci, or grooves which
converge at the Confluence of Sinuses. A single internal Occipital Protuberance or Cruciform Eminence is also found in this area. Running inferior from the eminence to the foramen magnum is the Internal Occipital Crest which separates the
Cerebellar Fossae. The transverse sulci assist in directing the developing
jugular vein to the Jugular Notch on either side of the basilar
portion of the occipital.
The occipital touches, or articulates with, the following bones:
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