The exoccipital bone, pronounced /ɛksɒkˈsɪpɪtəl boʊn/, is a bone found at the base of the skull in mammals. The spelling of this word is derived from its Greek and Latin roots. "Exo" meaning "outside" in Greek and "occiput" meaning "back of the head" in Latin. The combination of these roots and the English word "bone" leads to the spelling exoccipital bone. Proper pronunciation of this term is important in understanding its anatomical location and function.
The exoccipital bone, also known as the squamosal bone, is a small bone located at the back and base of the skull in vertebrates. It forms part of the occipital bone, which is one of the major bones that make up the skull.
The exoccipital bone is situated on each side of the foramen magnum, which is a large opening in the base of the skull through which the spinal cord passes. It is typically paired, meaning that there is one on each side of the skull.
In terms of structure, the exoccipital bone is thin and flat, contributing to the posterior part of the foramen magnum. It forms articulations or connections with several neighboring bones, such as the occipital condyle, which allow for movement and stability of the skull. Additionally, it is involved in the attachment of various muscles and ligaments that function in head and neck movements.
The exoccipital bone plays a significant role in supporting the weight of the skull and protecting the brain and spinal cord. It also provides attachment points for muscles involved in head movements and aids in transmitting forces between the skull and the spinal column. Understanding the structure and functions of the exoccipital bone is crucial for anatomists, physicians, and scientists studying the skull and its related structures.
One of the two segments of the occipital bone bounding the foramen magnum laterally, each of which forms an independent bone in the infant.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "exoccipital" is derived from the combination of two Greek terms: "exo" meaning "outside" or "external", and "occipital" referring to the occipital bone at the back of the skull. The term "exoccipital bone" is used in anatomy to describe a bone found in some aquatic vertebrates, such as fish or amphibians, which is located on the exterior or outside of the occipital bone.