Zahid A, Khan B, Khan M W.
Unusual findings on occipital bone of dry skull of a Pakistani adult.
Biomedica Jan ;31(2):147-9.

Background and Objective: The morphological variations of skull have been the source of interest since long for many scientists because of their clinical, neurosurgical, anthropological, forensic and racial significance. This article describes three unusual findings on the occipital bone of the same skull. Methodology: During the routine osteology demonstration classes for medical undergraduate students in Anatomy department, Khawaja Muhammad Safdar Medical College Sialkot, a dry human adult skull with three unusual findings was observed. Results: The first finding was the presence of an unusual shallow incomplete median bony canal on the clivus in the basiocciput region.In addition, a bony spur (osteophyte) on medial side of right occipital condyle was found. The third finding on the same skull was the presence of an unusual large jugular foramen divided by a bridge of bone lateral to the right occipital condyle in front of condylar fossa. The skull was closely observed and photographed. The probable etiological factors attributing to such findings are also discussed in the present study. Conclusions: The present study findings will add to data of anatomical variations of occipital bone in Pakistani population, which may be important from clinical, neurosurgical and forensic point of view.

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