What are the parietal bones responsible for forming in the human skull?

The parietal bones are a crucial component of the human skull, specifically contributing to the structure of the cranium. They are paired bones located on the left and right sides of the skull, and together they form the crown and sides of the cranium. This positioning provides vital protection for the brain and supports various structures of the head.

These bones articulate with several other bones in the skull, including the frontal bone at the front, the occipital bone at the back, and the temporal bones at the sides. Their contribution to the crown and sides of the cranium gives the skull its characteristic shape and structure, enabling it to fulfill its protective role.

In contrast, the other options refer to different skull structures not associated with the parietal bones. For instance, the base and back of the skull are primarily formed by the occipital bone and other cranial bones, the forehead and eye sockets involve the frontal bone and zygomatic bones, and the lower jaw and chin are structured by the mandible. This delineation clarifies the unique role of the parietal bones in forming the upper part of the skull.