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 opening for the spinal cord to connect with the brain. This bone plays a crucial role in protecting the brain and supporting the head. Additionally, the occipital bone articulates with several other bones, including the parietal bones, temporal bones, and the sphenoid bone. It also features the occipital condyles, which are rounded projections that help connect the skull to the vertebral column, allowing for head movement.