Definition

1. Noun:
   • A specific bone of the skull: The parietal bone is either of the two large, curved bones that form the top and sides of the human cranium. They are located between the frontal bone (at the front) and the occipital bone (at the back).

Usage

• The term "parietal bone" is used in anatomical, medical, and biological contexts to describe this specific cranial structure.
• It is typically used in the singular when referring to one of the pair, or in the plural ("parietal bones") when referring to both.

Examples

• Noun:
  • A fracture was detected in the left parietal bone.
  • The parietal bones are joined together at the sagittal suture.
  • The brain is protected by the frontal, temporal, and parietal bones.

Advanced Usage

• "Parietal" as an adjective: The word "parietal" itself is an adjective meaning "relating to or forming the wall of a body part, cavity, or structure." The "parietal bone" is named for forming the wall (the roof and sides) of the cranial cavity.
  • The surgeon examined the parietal region of the skull.
• In compound anatomical terms: The bone is often mentioned in relation to its anatomical landmarks and sutures (joints where bones meet).
  • The parietal eminence is the prominent, rounded part of the bone.

Variants and Related Words

• Parietal (adj): Pertaining to the parietal bone or to the wall of a cavity.
  • Parietal lobe (a region of the brain lying beneath the parietal bone).
• Parietals (n, informal/plural): Sometimes used informally to refer to the parietal bones collectively.

Synonyms

• Cranial bone: A more general term; the parietal bone is one specific type of cranial bone.
• Skull bone: A very general term; the parietal is a specific skull bone.

Related Phrases / Compound Terms

• Parietal foramen: A small opening in the parietal bone for a blood vessel.
• Parietal tuber: Another term for the parietal eminence.
• Parieto-occipital: Relating to both the parietal and occipital bones or regions.

Noun

1. either of two skull bones between the frontal and occipital bones and forming the top and sides of the cranium