The occipital bone: Review of its embryology and molecular development

Abstract

The human occipital bone is ontogenetically and functionally unique when compared to other bones of the cranium. It is one of the first bones of the skull to develop and consists anatomically of four parts surrounding the foramen magnum: the basilar, squamous, and two condylar parts. This chapter explores the embryology and anatomy of the occipital bone and how it relates to Chiari I malformation.