Occipital bone — Free Anatomy Illustration

Anatomy

Occipital bone

Occipital bone shown in isolation from the external aspect as a single broad, curved posterior-inferior cranial bone in pale ivory to off-white. The bone has a shield-like form with a broad squamous portion superiorly and thicker basilar and lateral parts inferiorly, all forming one continuous structure. Its external surface is gently convex with mostly smooth contours, irregular sutural borders, and subtle landmarks including the external occipital prominence, superior or shallow inferior nuchal lines, and roughened muscle attachment areas. A large central oval foramen magnum occupies the inferior base, emphasizing that the bone forms the back and base of the cranium.

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