Parietal bones

Parietal Bones

The Parietal Bones (/pəˈraɪɪtəl/; from Latin parietalis, meaning "of walls") are two bones in the skull which, when joined together at a fibrous joint, form the sides and roof of the cranium.

Etymology

The term "parietal" is derived from the Latin word paries (plural parietes), which means "wall". This term was chosen because the parietal bones resemble the walls of a house, enclosing the brain like walls enclose a room.

Anatomy

Each parietal bone is roughly quadrilateral in form, and has two surfaces, four borders, and four angles. It is named for its position on the side of the head. The parietal bones are bordered by the frontal bone, the sphenoid bone, the temporal bone, and the occipital bone.

Function

The main function of the parietal bones is to protect the brain and support the structures of the head. They also provide attachment for many muscles that move the head and face.

Related Terms

Cranium: The upper part of the skull, which encloses and protects the brain. The cranium includes the frontal, parietal, occipital, temporal, sphenoid, and ethmoid bones.
Sutures: The lines of junction between the bones of the skull.
Sagittal suture: The suture between the two parietal bones.
Coronal suture: The suture between the parietal and frontal bones.