Which bones form the base of the skull, below the occipital bone?

The bones that form the base of the skull below the occipital bone are the temporal bones. The temporal bones are located on the sides and base of the skull and are crucial for protecting the structures of the ears as well as providing the attachment points for muscles involved in jaw movement. They play a significant role in the overall structure of the skull and are adjacent to the occipital bone, which is situated at the back of the skull.

In this context, it is important to understand the anatomy of the skull. The cervical vertebrae, lumbar vertebrae, and sacral vertebrae are part of the spinal column and do not form part of the skull itself. The cervical vertebrae are situated above the skull and support the head, while the lumbar and sacral vertebrae are located further down the spine and are not connected to the skull at all. This anatomical distinction highlights why the temporal bones are the correct answer as they directly relate to the base of the skull.