The basilar bone, which forms part of the base of the skull, is spelled with four syllables: /ˈbæsɪlər/ /boʊn/. The first syllable is stressed and pronounced with a short "a" sound, followed by the "s" sound and a short "i" sound. The second syllable is unstressed and pronounced with a short "u" sound, followed by the "l" sound and a schwa sound. The last two syllables spell "bone" and are pronounced with a long "o" sound and a schwa sound.
The basilar bone, also known as the basioccipital bone, is a thick and strong bone located at the base of the skull in vertebrates. It forms the posterior part of the floor of the cranium and provides support and protection to various vital structures including the brainstem and the spinal cord.
The basilar bone is situated in the occipital region of the skull and is the central part of the occipital bone, one of the major cranial bones. It has a somewhat triangular shape and is positioned between the mastoid processes, which are located on either side of the skull, and the foramen magnum, a large hole through which the spinal cord exits the skull.
The basilar bone contains several important anatomical landmarks. The most prominent feature is the clivus, a smooth and sloping surface that forms an upward projection. The clivus supports the pons, a critical structure in the brainstem responsible for regulating various bodily functions. Adjacent to the clivus, there is a shallow depression known as the pharyngeal tubercle, which serves as an attachment site for several muscles involved in swallowing.
In summary, the basilar bone is a significant component of the skull that provides structural support and protection to the brainstem and spinal cord. It contributes to the overall stability and integrity of the cranium, ensuring the optimal functioning of vital neurological structures.
Basioccipital bone, the basilar process of the occipital bone which exists as an independent center of ossification up to about the fourth or fifth year.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "basilar" comes from the Latin word "basis", which means "base". It is derived from the Greek word "basis", which also means "base". The term "basilar" is used to describe something that is related to or located at the base.
The word "bone" has its origin in Old English, where it was spelled as "ban". This word can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "banan" and the Proto-Indo-European root word "bha", meaning "to grow, to become".
When combined, "basilar bone" refers to a specific bone located at the base of the skull, known as the basilar part of the occipital bone.