Occipital bone
Squama
(L. scale, plate)
External occipital protuberance
attachments - ligamentum nuchae
External occipital crest
attachments - ligamentum nuchae
Superior nuchal line
attachments - trapezius, sternocleidomastoid and splenius capitis muscles
Inferior nuchal line
attachments - rectus capitis posterior major and minor muscles
Internal occipital protuberance
attachments - falx cerebelli
Superior sagittal sulcus
function - houses superior sagittal sinus
Sulcus for transverse sinus
function - houses the transverse sinus
Basilar part
attachments - longis capitis and rectus capitis anterior muscles
Foramen magnum
(L. magnus, large)
function - transmits the spinal cord, vertebral artery and vein, and accessory nerve
Pharyngeal tubercle
attachments - pharyngeal raphe
Lateral part
Occipital condyles
function - articulates with atlas
Hypoglossal canal
function - transmits hypoglossal nerve
Jugular notch and foramen
(L. jugulum, throat)
function - transmits the internal jugular vein, glossopharyngeal, vagus, and accessory nerves