Function
Along with other bones of the skull, occipital bone encloses and protects the brain. It provides a site of attachment for the vertebra that facilitates movement of the head. It has an opening at the base through which brain stem connects to the spinal cord.
Disease/ Injury/ Fracture
A severe blow to the back or the bottom of the head is usually responsible for the fracture at the base of the skull. Trauma to occipital bone may cause injury to the brain stem.
