Final answer:
The posterior cranial fossa contains the occipital bone, petrous ridges, foramen magnum, and surrounding structures that facilitate protection and passage for cranial nerves and the spinal cord.
Step-by-step explanation:
The four main components of the posterior cranial fossa are integral to the structure and protection of the brain's cerebellum and brainstem. These components include the occipital bone, which forms the floor and posterior wall, the petrous ridges anteriorly, the foramen magnum allowing passage for the spinal cord, and the surrounding structures that house and protect vital neurological connections. The posterior fossa's containment of the cerebellum reflects its significance in the configuration of the cranial base.