Parietal bones
To read about other bones of the head and neck, use the links on the left-side of this page.
The parietal bones are two relatively large cranial bones that, together, form the upper-back part of the skull.
Location:
The parietal bones are located at the top and sides of the cranium, extending around the back of the head. (One way to remember this is to keep in mind that together they form the posterior roof of the skull.)
Function(s):
- The parietal bones form the posterior roof of the skull
- The parietal bones provide mechanical protection of the brain, which is a function they perform in conjunction with other bones of the skull.
See notes about, and labelled diagrams of, all human cranial and facial bones on one page.
More about Bones and the Skeletal System:
This website includes many pages about bones and the skeletal system. The following pages may be of interest. These also link to further pages about related topics such as specific types of fractures, bone diseases and so on.
- Structures and Functions of Bones (an overview about the Skeletal System)
- Types of Bones, such as long bones, short bones, flat bones, etc.
- Bone Markings and Features on Bones of the Human Body
- Types of Joints, such as immoveable, slightly moveable and freely moveable joints
- Diagram of the Human Skeleton
- Overview of types of Conditions and Disorders of the Skeletal System
For further information see also our pages of books about orthopaedics.
