What are the parietal bones?

The parietal bones is called the parietal bones. Gray's Anatomy (1918) describes it as a pair of roughly rectangular, curved bones.

What it is

  • A pair of roughly rectangular, curved bones.
  • Together they form most of the roof and upper sides of the skull.
  • Joined to each other by the sagittal suture.

Where it is

  • At the top and sides of the skull, behind the frontal bone.
  • Join the frontal bone in front, the occipital bone behind, and the temporal bones below.
  • Their inner surface is grooved by branches of the middle meningeal artery.

Source:

Last verified: 2026-07-18

  • Best Anatomy Answers is an educational reference about human anatomy. It is not medical advice — for any health concern, talk to a licensed medical professional.

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