As the occipital bone connects with the firstvertebra(atlas), it forms theatlantooccipitaljoint.
This junction helps you tonod and shake your head.
The atlas is also the direct link between the spine and the skull.
It also plays a part in your ability to see and interact with the world around you.
As you get older, your occipital bones will fuse to the other bones of your skull.
This opening allows for the passage of the spinal cord.
The occipital bone is the only cranial bone to connect to thecervical spine.
Foramen Magnum
Theforamen magnumis curved externally and hollow inside.
All four are part of the opening of the foramen magnum.
Toward the front, the basilar part fuses to thesphenoidbone and forms thetribasilarbone.
This fusion happens during puberty.
Thepharyngeal tubercleleading to the airway (pharynx) is on the lower surface of the basilar part.
Condylar Parts
The twocondylarparts are located adjacent to the foramen magnum.
They are oval-shaped and connect to the first cervical vertebra.
Next to these parts are the condylar canals where thecondylar emissaryveins connect theexternal vertebral venous plexusesto thesigmoidsinuses.
Thehypoglossal nerve (the 12thcranial nerve) goes through the condylar part of the occipital bone.
Squamous Part
Thesquamouspart is the largest part of the occipital bone.
It is located above and behind the foramen magnum and curved downward on each side.
There is also a middle line running through the nuchal plane (inferior nuchal line).
The nuchal plane is rough and irregular and attaches to several muscles of the head and neck.
At the upper part is the internal occipital crest is the transverse sinuses.
The union of the transverse and sagittal sinuses is noted by a depression on either side of the protuberance.
Can You Feel the Occipital Bone?
Some people, especially males, may report an enlarged one that can be felt.
This is called an occipital spur or occipital knob (or sometimes, a “knowledge bump”).
Associated Conditions
Any problems with the development of occipital bone can lead to health problems.
The occipital bone is sensitive and can get injured or damaged during childbirth.
Defects in the occipital bone can also cause severe problems with vision.
Knobloch syndromeis a pop in of genetic condition that is resulting from a defect in the occipital bone.
In this disorder, a defect in the occipital bone causes severe nearsightedness or blindness.
Headaches
Occipitalmigrainesare moderate to severe headaches that are felt in the back of the head.
This condition can cause many symptoms, including an occipital headache.
Rarely, non-cancerous (benign) bone cysts can form in the occipital bone, which can cause headaches.
These cysts can usually be removed surgically.
Occipital neuralgia can lead to neck pain and difficulty with balance and coordination.
Broken Bones
A fractured occipital bone can be from accidents and injuries.
Antibiotics or surgery might be needed if there are skin breaks or deep indentations in the bone.
It helps protect your brain and also helps you move your head.
If you have problems with your occipital bone and have symptoms like headaches, you may need physical therapy.
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