Unraveling the Mysteries of Parietal Bones in the Human Skull

When you think about the bones in the human skull, the parietal bones might not immediately come to mind. But these two prominent structures play a critical role in forming the upper sides and roof of our skull. Let’s tackle an important detail much like we would in a classroom discussion: The parietal bones mainly connect through sutures, and they're not friends with the ethmoid bone—at least, not in the way you might think!

So, let's break that down. Which statement is false regarding parietal bones? They articulate with the ethmoid bone. Hold on—what does that even mean? Essentially, this means they don’t actually connect with the ethmoid bone directly. Imagine the skull as a puzzle; the ethmoid bone is placed at a different point altogether, much like a piece that's in the center of the puzzle while the parietals are working to form the sides.

What do the parietal bones connect with, you ask? Good question! They articulate with the temporal bones through the squamous suture, which, believe it or not, is one of the coolest connections in your skull—we’ll get to how important that is in a minute. They also meet the frontal bone at the coronal suture, which creates that recognizable forehead structure we all have. This connection is way more significant than it appears at first glance. It's like realizing how the pieces of a strong structure hold everything together when you least expect it.

And while they may seem far apart in terms of location, the maxilla, which holds our upper teeth and forms a part of the face, doesn’t directly connect with the parietal bones either. It’s somewhat of a sibling relationship—their interaction exists, but there’s no direct link through sutures. Instead, they coexist in the grand design of the human skull, adding to the complexity and beauty of our anatomy.

Now, let’s circle back to that ethmoid bone. It’s cleverly tucked away at the base of the skull, primarily separating our nasal cavity from the brain. The ethmoid bone’s location makes it a critical player in the anatomy of the skull, but it’s just not hanging out with those parietal bones. Remember, as you study for the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork exam, this kind of understanding doesn’t just help you answer questions correctly; it helps frame the bigger picture of human physiology too.

So next time you think about parietal bones, do a quick mental check. They’re not buddies with the ethmoid. Instead, they have their hands full connecting with the temporal and frontal bones to help create that protective capsule for your precious brain. Understanding these relationships isn’t just about memorizing facts; it’s about appreciating the intricate dance of anatomy that keeps us all functioning.