Does anyone know why humans (and other primates) have an external occipital protuberance? In quadropeds it serves as an attachment point for a ligament that supporst the weight of the head, so I'm thinking it may be a holdover from our ancestors. In primates all it does is serve as an attachment for a ligament and trapezoid muscles. Any other significance of it?
2006-10-12 08:22:22 · 3 answers · asked by darcy_t2e 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
We use it as an anatomic landmark in description of physical exams, but doubt that is the reason for it's existence.
Unlikely that there is a "reason" other than muscle attachment.
Aloha
2006-10-12 08:33:12 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Balance? Our heads tend to be front heavy, maybe the occipital protuberance is a counter weight?
2006-10-12 08:37:22 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i dont know but that freaks me out
2006-10-12 08:24:54 · answer #3 · answered by darkangel1111 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋