National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Dental Hygienist Practice Test

Which cranial bone is positioned as the single bone in the most posterior region of the skull?

1. Frontal bone

2. Occipital bone

3. Parietal bone

4. Sphenoid bone

The correct answer is: Occipital bone

The occipital bone is indeed positioned as the single bone in the most posterior region of the skull. It forms the back and base of the skull, providing structural support and protection for the brain, as well as housing important features such as the foramen magnum, which is the large opening that allows the spinal cord to connect with the brain. This bone's unique location is crucial for functions such as articulation with the vertebral column and the stabilization of the head during movement. The occipital condyles, which are articulating surfaces on the occipital bone, play a vital role in enabling the nodding motion of the head. Its position also allows it to serve as an attachment site for muscles and ligaments that support the head and neck. In contrast, the frontal, parietal, and sphenoid bones are located in different regions of the skull and do not serve the same posterior function as the occipital bone. The frontal bone is anterior, the parietal bones are lateral and located on the side, while the sphenoid bone is more centrally located in the skull base, making them less relevant to this specific question regarding the most posterior bone.