Frontal bone

The frontal bone forms the anterior part of the skull and contributes to the shape of the forehead.

The frontal bone is a flat bone located in the forehead region of the skull. It is a crucial component that encases the frontal lobe of the brain and contributes to the formation of the eye sockets (orbits) and the nasal cavity. It unites with several other bones, including the parietal bones at the coronal suture, the nasal bones, and the zygomatic bones.

Terminologia Anatomica

os frontale

System

Skeletal system

Function

As a key structure of the skull, the frontal bone serves multiple vital functions. It protects the frontal lobe of the brain, which is responsible for reasoning, planning, problem-solving, and emotions. The frontal bone also supports the structures of the face, providing shape and protection to the delicate organs of sight and smell located in and around its boundary. Its robust nature helps to withstand external forces, thereby safeguarding the brain from potential injury. Additionally, the frontal bone plays a role in the formation of the sinuses, which are air-filled cavities that contribute to voice resonance and help reduce the weight of the skull.

Location

The frontal bone is located at the front of the skull, making up the forehead and extending down to form the upper parts of the eye sockets. It sits above the nasal cavity and connects laterally with the parietal bones at the coronal suture. The bone also projects backward to form a part of the cranial cavity, enclosing the frontal lobe of the brain. Its positioning is strategic as it creates a barrier between the brain and the outside environment, influencing the facial structure of an individual.

Did You Know?

The frontal bone is one of the first bones to ossify in the human body, being fully developed by early adulthood.
In newborns, the frontal bone consists of two halves that fuse together during the first years of life.
The frontal sinus, which is located just behind the frontal bone, can become inflamed during sinus infections, leading to pressure and pain in the forehead area.
The frontal bone is also involved in the development of the facial features, influencing characteristics such as brow prominence.