The occipital bone forms the posterior base of the skull and contains the foramen magnum, through which the spinal cord connects to the brain. It articulates with the parietal and temporal bones above and the atlas vertebra below, creating a flexible but secure connection between the head and neck. This sturdy bone protects the occipital lobes of the brain and the brainstem while providing attachment points for numerous neck muscles that control head movement.
The word "occipital" comes from the Latin "ob" (against) and "caput" (head), meaning "against the head" or "back of the head." This etymology directly reflects its position at the posterior aspect of the skull.
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