During SBS flexion, the fingers on the occipital squamae move which directions?

During SBS flexion, the fingers on the occipital squamae move which directions?

• A. Inferiorly and posterior
• B. Inferiorly and anterior
• C. Superiorly and posterior
• D. Superiorly and anterior

Answer: (A)

In cranial osteopathy, flexion of the sphenobasilar synchondrosis involves a rocking of the skull where the midline rises. The occipital bone part that you’re palpating—the squamae—moves with that motion in a downward and backward direction. So during SBS flexion, the fingers on the occipital squamae feel them drift inferiorly and posteriorly. If it were extension, you’d expect the opposite: superior and anterior movement.

In cranial osteopathy, flexion of the sphenobasilar synchondrosis involves a rocking of the skull where the midline rises. The occipital bone part that you’re palpating—the squamae—moves with that motion in a downward and backward direction. So during SBS flexion, the fingers on the occipital squamae feel them drift inferiorly and posteriorly. If it were extension, you’d expect the opposite: superior and anterior movement.