Which bone forms the base of the cranium and the back of the skull?Multiple choice question.occipital bonesphenoid bonefrontal boneparietal bonetemporal bone

Step 1: Break Down the Problem

The question asks to identify which bone is responsible for forming the base of the cranium and the back of the skull. The options provided are:

1. Occipital bone
2. Sphenoid bone
3. Frontal bone
4. Parietal bone
5. Temporal bone

Step 2: Relevant Concepts

• The occipital bone is located at the back and base of the skull, supporting the structure of the cranium.
• The sphenoid bone is situated centrally in the skull and does contribute to the base but is not the back.
• The frontal bone is at the front of the skull.
• The parietal bones are on the sides and top of the skull.
• The temporal bones are located on the sides of the skull beneath the parietal bones.

Step 3: Analysis and Detail

Among the given options, the occipital bone is specifically known for forming the posterior portion and base of the skull, where it's crucial for the connectivity with the vertebral column.

Step 4: Verify and Summarize

The only bone that fulfills both criteria—being at the base and at the back of the skull—is the occipital bone. Other bones listed do not serve this dual function.

Final Answer

The bone that forms the base of the cranium and the back of the skull is the occipital bone.