Where is occipital bone located

The squamous part of the largest part of the occipital bone. It is situated above and behind the foramen magnum and curved downward on each side. There are two curved lines on each side: the highest nuchal line and the superior nuchal line. There is also a middle line running through the nuchal plane called the inferior nuchal line. The nuchal plane is rough and irregular to attach to several muscles, including the muscles of the head and neck. The internal surface of the squamous part is bowl-shaped and divided into four depressions of the cruciform eminence.

The two upper depressions are triangular-shaped and embed the occipital lobes of the cerebrum, the largest part of the brain. The lower two depressions are rectangular and contain the hemispheres of the cerebellum, the part of the brain that receives information.

Along this internal surface of the occipital bone, there is a point of intersection of the four divisions of the cruciform eminence. This point is called the internal occipital protuberance and runs from the superior angle of the bone to a deep grove, called the sagittal sulcus, which hides part of the superior sagittal sinus and is attached to the falx cerebri.

The superior sagittal sinus allows blood to drain from the adjacent parts of the anterior hemisphere to the sinuses. At the upper part is the internal occipital crest, which houses the transverse sinuses. The union of the transverse and sagittal sinuses— the confluence of the sinuses—is indicated by a depression on either side of the protuberance.

The occipital bone has a variety of functions. The most important role it plays is in protecting your brain. It also acts as the connecting pathway from the brain to the spine. This junction helps you to nod and shake your head throughout the day. The atlas is also the direct link between the spine and skull. It also plays a part in your ability to see and interact with the world. When a person is born, their occipital bone is not completely hardened, and it takes up to six years for the hardening to fully complete.

For example, if the occipital bone is misaligned, this also causes misalignment of the spine, causing pain. The occipital bone is sensitive to the birthing process and in some instances can become injured or damaged during childbirth. The occipital bone can also be affected by other traumas or injuries, such as automobile accidents, sports injuries, and falls, resulting in mental health or chronic health problems. When the occipital bone is functioning or moving incorrectly, a number of mental and physical health problems may develop.

This may include:. It is therefore important to investigate the cause of head and spine symptoms you may be experiencing, especially pain and problems with function and movement. Your healthcare provider can recommend a variety of treatments, from medications to physical therapy and surgery.

Physical therapy can correct misalignment and help manage pain. It may also restore function and correct body movement. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life.

Healy J, Varacallo M. Anatomy, Head and Neck, Foramen Magnum. StatPearls Publishing; Jan. Thank you for updating your details. Log In. Sign Up. Become a Gold Supporter and see no ads. Log in Sign up. Articles Cases Courses Quiz. About Recent Edits Go ad-free. Edit article. View revision history Report problem with Article.

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