Which bone forms the base of the cranium?

The occipital bone is indeed the bone that forms the base of the cranium. It is located at the posterior part of the skull and plays a crucial role in the structure of the skull, as it houses the foramen magnum, through which the spinal cord connects to the brain. This positioning is essential for supporting the weight of the head and facilitating the passage of neural structures.

While the temporal bone, frontal bone, and sphenoid bone are important components of the skull, they do not serve as the base. The temporal bone contributes to the sides and base, the frontal bone forms the forehead and the anterior cranial fossa, and the sphenoid bone is located at the middle of the skull but does not form the base. The occipital bone distinctly defines the lower boundary of the cranial cavity, making it the key structure defining the base of the cranium.