What is the primary function of the parietal bone?

The primary function of the parietal bone is to form a significant portion of the sides and roof of the skull. This bone is paired, meaning there are two parietal bones, and they are located on the lateral sides of the skull. They articulate with each other at the sagittal suture and connect with several other cranial bones, contributing to the overall structure and protective casing of the cranial cavity.

This important role in forming the sides and roof not only provides structural support and protection for the brain but also plays a critical role in the architecture of the skull. The shape and configuration provided by the parietal bones are essential for maintaining the integrity of the head and ensuring that the brain is adequately shielded from external impacts.

The other options relate to functions or structures not primarily associated with the parietal bone itself. For example, the base of the skull is primarily formed by other bones such as the occipital and temporal bones, and while the parietal bone does articulate with various bones, it is not directly involved in articulating with the zygomatic bone, which is related to the facial skeleton. Similarly, the parietal bone does not provide direct attachment for facial muscles, as those attachments are primarily found