Which part of the cranium does the parietal form?

The parietal bones are a significant pair of bones in the skull that play a crucial role in forming the structure of the cranium. They are located on the sides of the skull and also extend to the top. Specifically, the parietal bones articulate with several other cranial bones, including the frontal bone in the front, the occipital bone at the back, and the temporal bones at the sides.

Understanding the function of the parietal bones is key to grasping human anatomy, especially when it comes to the protection of the brain and providing a structure for other facial bones and structures. This knowledge is foundational for estheticians, as it informs them about the underlying anatomy that affects skin health and treatments on the face and scalp.

The other options describe areas of the cranium that are not associated with the parietal bones. The base and sides, front and sides, and back and base involve different cranial structures, clarifying that the parietal's primary contribution is specifically to the sides and top of the cranium.