Occipital bone

Question 1

foramen magnum

Answer 1

large circular opening on the inferior surface

• slightly posterior to the center of the skull base and connects cranial cavity with spinal cavity

Question 2

occipital condyles

Answer 2

lie on lateral and anterior margins of foramen magnum

= smooth points of articulation between the skull and first vertebra

Question 3

hypoglossal canal

Answer 3

• located on later sides of base of occipital condyles

• hypoglossal nerve that controls tongue muscles passes through this

Question 4

jugular foramen

Answer 4

border of occipital (jugular notch) and temporal bones (jugular fossa)
• just lateral to occipital condyles
• allows blood to leave brain via internal jugular veins

Question 5

external occipital protuberance

Answer 5

midline bump on posterior, external surface

• site of attachment of ligamentum nuchae – elastic ligament that helps keep head erect

Question 6

superior and inferior nuchal lines

Answer 6

set of small ridges that extend laterally from protuberance
o attachment site for several neck muscles and ligaments that stabilize joints between occipital condyles and first vertebra