Occipital bone facts for kids
The occipital bone is a special bone found at the very back and bottom of your skull. Think of it as the base of your head! This important bone helps protect your brain and connects your skull to your spinal cord. It's a key part of your head's structure.
What is the Occipital Bone?
The occipital bone is shaped a bit like a curved plate. It forms the lower, back part of your skull. It's one of the main bones that make up the cranium, which is the part of your skull that holds and protects your brain. This bone is super important for keeping your brain safe from bumps and knocks.
The Big Opening: Foramen Magnum
At the very bottom of the occipital bone, there's a large, round opening. This opening is called the foramen magnum. "Foramen" means "hole" and "magnum" means "large" in Latin. It's a very important hole because it's where your spinal cord passes through. The spinal cord is like a thick cable of nerves that connects your brain to the rest of your body. It carries messages back and forth, helping you move and feel things.
The foramen magnum allows the spinal cord to safely enter the skull and connect with the brain. It also allows important blood vessels and nerves to pass through. Without this opening, your brain wouldn't be able to communicate with your body!
Images for kids
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Outer surface of the occipital bone
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Inner surface of the occipital bone
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The occipital bone at birth
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The lambdoid suture, where the occipital bone meets other skull bones
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The occipitomastoid suture
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Another view of the outer surface
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Inner surface with other bones removed
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A view of the occipital bone
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Another view of the occipital bone
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A side view showing the occipital bone and upper spinal bones
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The basilar part of the occipital bone
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The occipital bone
See also
In Spanish: Hueso occipital para niños
