What structure is located posterior to the occipital area?

The structure located posterior to the occipital area is the parietal region. The occipital area is situated at the back of the skull and is primarily associated with the occipital bone. The parietal bones lie directly superior to the occipital bone and extend laterally, forming the upper sides and roof of the skull.

This anatomical relationship is important for understanding the spatial orientation of the skull. The parietal bones contribute to the overall shape of the cranial cavity and protect the brain. Recognizing this position helps in interpreting various cranial injuries, conducting autopsies, or understanding anatomical landmarks during medicolegal investigations.

The other structures mentioned—temporal, submental, and umbilicus—are located in different regions of the body. The temporal area is found at the sides of the skull, below the parietal bones; the submental area refers to the region beneath the chin; and the umbilicus is the belly button, located on the abdomen. These varying anatomical positions further clarify why the parietal bones are indeed the correct reference for the structure located posterior to the occipital area.