Which bone forms the back portion of the skull?

Which bone forms the back portion of the skull?

• A. Occipital
• B. Temporal
• C. Sphenoid
• D. Parietal

Answer: (A)

The back portion of the skull is formed by the occipital bone. It sits at the posterior aspect of the cranium and forms the base of the skull, including the posterior cranial fossa, which supports the brainstem and cerebellum. It also contains the foramen magnum, the large opening through which the spinal cord passes and connects with the brain. Other skull bones are located in different regions: the temporal bones lie on the sides near the ears; the parietal bones make up most of the roof and upper sides of the skull; the sphenoid sits in the middle of the skull, contributing to the floor of the skull and the eye sockets.

The back portion of the skull is formed by the occipital bone. It sits at the posterior aspect of the cranium and forms the base of the skull, including the posterior cranial fossa, which supports the brainstem and cerebellum. It also contains the foramen magnum, the large opening through which the spinal cord passes and connects with the brain.

Other skull bones are located in different regions: the temporal bones lie on the sides near the ears; the parietal bones make up most of the roof and upper sides of the skull; the sphenoid sits in the middle of the skull, contributing to the floor of the skull and the eye sockets.