The occipital bone is a curved, trapezoidal bone located at the back and base of the skull. It forms the posterior part of the cranium and houses the foramen magnum, which is the large opening that allows the spinal cord to connect with the brain. This bone plays a crucial role in protecting the brain and supporting the structure of the head. Additionally, the occipital bone articulates with several other bones in the skull, including the parietal bones, temporal bones, and the sphenoid bone. It also features several important landmarks, such as the external occipital protuberance, which serves as an attachment point for muscles and ligaments.