Nevada State Board of Cosmetology Practice Exam

Which area of the head is known as the 'occipital area'?

1. The forehead

2. The temples

3. The sides of the head

4. The back of the skull

The correct answer is: The back of the skull

The occipital area refers specifically to the back of the skull, where the occipital bone is located. This area is positioned at the posterior aspect of the head and is crucial in both anatomy and cosmetology, as it plays a significant role in hairstyle considerations and the overall shaping of the head. Understanding the anatomy of the occipital area is vital for cosmetologists, as it influences how hair falls and moves, as well as how certain hairstyles will look from all angles. The other areas mentioned—forehead, temples, and sides of the head—are distinct parts of the cranial structure and do not correspond to the occipital region, reinforcing why the back of the skull is the correct identification for the occipital area.