Skull

The bony structure that encases and protects the brain while providing support for the face.

The skull is a complex bony structure that forms the head in vertebrates. It serves to protect the brain and supports the structure of the face. Comprised of 22 individual bones in adults, the skull includes the cranium, which houses the brain, and the facial bones that form the front of the skull. The bones of the skull are connected by sutures, which are jagged joints that help absorb impact and allow for slight movement.

Terminologia Anatomica

skull

System

Skeletal system

Function

The primary function of the skull is to protect the brain from external trauma and injury. It acts as a rigid box, safeguarding the organ that governs all bodily functions and cognitive processes. Additionally, the skull provides attachment points for facial muscles, enabling a wide range of expressions and functions essential for communication and feeding. The skull also plays a critical role in the auditory system, as its structure supports the ears, funneling sound waves toward the auditory apparatus. Furthermore, the skull houses sensory organs, including the eyes, contributing to vision and the processing of visual stimuli. Overall, the skull is not just a protective casing but an intricate part of the overall functioning of human anatomy, providing essential support to complex physiological processes.

Location

The skull is located at the superior end of the human body, forming the head or cranium. It encompasses the uppermost portion of the skeleton and resides atop the vertebral column, connecting to the cervical vertebrae of the neck. The skull is divided into two major parts: the cranium and the facial bones. The cranium, consisting of eight bones, forms a protective dome over the brain, while the facial skeleton comprises fourteen bones, shaping the face and providing structure for the jaw and teeth. The skull defines the contours of the head, creating a framework that supports not only the brain but also the sensory organs, providing an essential connection to the nervous and sensory systems.

Did You Know?

The human skull consists of a total of 22 bones, which can be categorized into the cranium (8 bones) and the facial skeleton (14 bones).
At birth, a human skull has soft spots known as fontanelles, allowing for flexibility and growth; these typically close by the age of two.
The largest bone of the skull is the mandible, or lower jawbone, which connects to the upper jaw and facilitates movement for chewing and speaking.
The skull has been found to have varying shapes and sizes among different human populations, a concept known as cranial variation.
Connection points in the skull, called sutures, fuse together as a person ages, which can help in estimating their age.