The parietal bones are two large, flat bones located on the top and sides of the skull. They form the roof and sides of the cranial cavity, protecting the brain. Each parietal bone is roughly quadrilateral in shape and meets the frontal bone at the forehead and the occipital bone at the back of the head. These bones are connected to each other at the midline by the sagittal suture. They also articulate with the temporal bones and the sphenoid bone. The parietal bones play a crucial role in the overall structure and stability of the skull, contributing to its protective function for the brain.