The occipital bone forms the posterior and inferior cranium, featuring the foramen magnum through which the spinal cord passes, and two occipital condyles that articulate with the atlas vertebra to allow head nodding.
The foramen magnum transmits the medulla oblongata, vertebral arteries, and accessory nerves. Chiari malformation involves herniation of the cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum, producing headache, neck pain, and cerebellar symptoms. The occipital condyles articulate with the atlas and are the pivot for head nodding movements. Occipital condyle fractures from high-energy impact can cause lower cranial nerve palsies from jugular foramen compression.
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