PARIETAL BONE ANATOMY
Parietal Bone - Articulations, Preview from the app. Download 3D OSTEOLOGY for full 3D control—multiple views, x-ray mode, and unlimited zoom.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Read AR Atlas →GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS
What is the parietal bone?
- Paired flat bones of your cranium
- Located on superolateral aspect of your skull
- Form substantial portion of cranial vault
- Contribute to sides of your skull
- Contribute to roof of your skull
- Provide protection for your underlying brain
What does the parietal bone articulate with?
- Articulations:
- Frontal bone — anteriorly
- Occipital bone — posteriorly
- Temporal bone — inferiorly
- Opposite parietal bone — medially at sagittal suture
EXTERNAL SURFACE
External Surface of the Parietal Bone, Preview from the app. Download 3D OSTEOLOGY for full 3D control—multiple views, x-ray mode, and unlimited zoom.
What does the external surface look like?
- Smooth convex contour
- Forms structural foundation beneath your scalp
Parietal Eminence
What is the parietal eminence?
- Prominent convex region
- Located near center of bone
- Also termed parietal tuber
- Contributes to your rounded skull contour
Temporal Lines
What is the superior temporal line?
- Superior Temporal Line — curved ridge
- Arches across external surface
- Attachment site for temporal fascia
What is the inferior temporal line?
- Inferior Temporal Line — curved ridge
- Runs parallel below superior line
- Attachment site for temporalis muscle
- Temporalis involved in your mastication
Parietal Foramen
What is the parietal foramen?
- Small aperture
- Located near sagittal border
- Variable in size
- Transmits emissary vein
INTERNAL SURFACE
Internal Surface of the Parietal Bone, Preview from the app. Download 3D OSTEOLOGY for full 3D control—multiple views, x-ray mode, and unlimited zoom.
What does the internal surface contain?
- Contains grooves and depressions
- Accommodates your brain structures and meninges
Groove for Middle Meningeal Artery
What is the groove for the middle meningeal artery?
- Prominent channel
- Allows artery passage across inner bone surface
- Middle meningeal artery supplies your dura mater
- Dura mater is outermost meningeal layer
Additional Surface Markings
What are the additional surface markings on the internal surface?
- Impressions from arachnoid granulations
- Impressions from cerebral gyri
BORDERS AND SUTURES
Borders and Angles of the Parietal Bone, Preview from the app. Download 3D OSTEOLOGY for full 3D control—multiple views, x-ray mode, and unlimited zoom.
Sagittal Border
What is the sagittal border?
- Longest border
- Connects with opposite parietal bone
- Forms sagittal suture
Frontal Border
What is the frontal border?
- Anterior border
- Articulates with frontal bone
- Forms coronal suture
Occipital Border
What is the occipital border?
- Posterior border
- Articulates with occipital bone
- Forms lambdoid suture
Squamosal Border
What is the squamosal border?
- Inferior border
- Anterior portion articulates with greater wing of sphenoid
- Central portion articulates with squamous part of temporal bone
- Posterior portion articulates with mastoid part of temporal bone
ANGLES
How many angles does the parietal bone have?
- Four angles at border junctions
Frontal Angle
What is the frontal angle?
- Anterosuperior corner
- Located at intersection of sagittal and coronal sutures
Occipital Angle
What is the occipital angle?
- Posterosuperior corner
- Located at junction of sagittal and lambdoid sutures
Sphenoidal Angle
What is the sphenoidal angle?
- Anteroinferior corner
- Where bone meets frontal bone
- Where bone meets greater wing of sphenoid
Mastoid Angle
What is the mastoid angle?
- Posteroinferior corner
- Articulates with occipital bone
- Articulates with mastoid portion of temporal bone
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Henry G, Warren HL. Osteology. In: Anatomy of the Human Body. 20th ed. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger; 1918. p. 129–97.