What is the term for the skull bones that form the roof and sides of the skull?

The term for the skull bones that form the roof and sides of the skull is the parietal bone. Each side of the skull has a parietal bone, which plays a crucial role in forming the upper part of the sides and roof of the cranium. These bones are flat and curved, providing structural integrity as well as protecting the brain, while also serving as sites for muscle attachment.

The temporal bones, despite being important in skull structure, are located on the sides and base of the skull but do not comprise the roof. The occipital bone forms the back and base of the skull, and while it plays a vital role in the overall skull structure, it does not contribute to the roof or the sides. The maxilla is not related to the skull's upper structure; instead, it is the upper jawbone, which acts as a support structure for the teeth and forms part of the orbits of the eyes.

Understanding these anatomical distinctions helps clarify the overall structure of the skull and the specific functions of each bone.