The parietal bone is one of the bones that make up the skull. Its spelling can be a bit tricky for some, as it contains the unusual combination of the letters "ie" and "al." However, its pronunciation is straightforward and can be expressed in IPA phonetic transcription as pəˈraɪətəl boʊn. The "ie" combination is pronounced as the "long i" sound, while the "al" is pronounced as "ul." Together, they form the second syllable of the word.
The parietal bone is a flat, paired cranial bone located on the sides and upper part of the skull. In humans, there are two parietal bones, one on each side, which together form the majority of the sides and the top of the cranium. These bones are situated towards the middle of the skull, just behind the frontal bone. The parietal bone connects with other cranial bones, such as the frontal, temporal, sphenoid, and occipital bones, through interlocking sutures.
The parietal bone is characterized by its smooth, convex outer surface, while the inner surface consists of numerous grooves and ridges that are formed by the branches of blood vessels. The bone plays a crucial role in protecting the brain and supporting its structure. Additionally, it contributes to the formation of the roof and sides of the cranium.
The parietal bone also serves as an attachment site for several muscles, such as those responsible for chewing and facial expressions. It aids in housing and protecting important cranial structures, including the parietal lobes of the brain, superior sagittal sinus, and middle meningeal artery. Any abnormalities or injuries to the parietal bone can potentially compromise the functioning of these structures, leading to various medical conditions and symptoms such as headaches, skull fractures, and cognitive impairment.
Os parietale.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "parietal" in the term "parietal bone" comes from the Latin word "parietalis", which means "belonging to a wall". It is derived from the Latin word "paries", which means "wall". The parietal bone of the skull is so named because it forms the upper sides and roof of the cranial cavity, resembling a wall.