The inion is a bony prominence located at the back of the skull. It is not made of a separate bone, but rather a bony landmark formed by the intersection of the superior nuchal lines on the occipital bone.
The inion serves as an important anatomical reference point for various medical procedures, including:
- Measuring the length of the neck: The distance between the inion and the chin is used to assess the length of the neck.
- Locating the spinal cord: The inion is used as a starting point for locating the spinal cord during spinal procedures.
- Identifying the position of the head: The inion helps determine the position of the head during surgery.
The inion is a crucial landmark in the anatomy of the skull, providing valuable information for medical professionals.