Basion

/ˈbeɪziən/ noun

Definition

An anatomical landmark point on the skull located at the midline of the anterior margin of the foramen magnum (the opening where the spinal cord exits).

Etymology

From Greek 'basis' (base or foundation). In anatomy, this point represents the base of the skull where the central opening occurs, hence the fitting name.

Kelly Says

Anthropologists measure skulls using basion as a reference point—it's one of those anatomical landmarks that's exactly the same location across all human skeletons, making it perfect for scientific comparison!

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