Skull - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. The skull is the bony structure that forms the head of humans and many other vertebrates. It is made up of 22 bones, including the mandible (jawbone) and the cranium (skullcap).
- 2. The main functions of the skull are to protect the brain and sensory organs such as the eyes, ears, and nose. It also provides structure and support for the face.
- 3. The skull is divided into two main parts: the cranium, which houses the brain, and the facial skeleton, which includes the bones of the face and jaw.
- 4. The cranium is made up of eight bones: the frontal bone, parietal bones (2), temporal bones (2), occipital bone, sphenoid bone, and ethmoid bone.
- 5. The facial skeleton is made up of 14 bones, including the nasal bones, maxilla (upper jaw), mandible (lower jaw), zygomatic bones (cheekbones), and palatine bones (roof of the mouth).
- 6. The skull also contains several openings and cavities, such as the orbits (eye sockets), nasal cavity, and ear canals, which house the sensory organs.
- 7. The skull is unique to each individual and can be used for identification purposes in forensic science and anthropology. The size and shape of the skull can vary based on factors such as age, sex, and ancestry.
- 8. The skull is connected to the vertebral column by the atlanto-occipital joint, which allows for movement of the head and neck.
- 9. The skull is a complex structure that undergoes significant growth and development from infancy to adulthood. The fontanelles, or soft spots, on a baby's skull allow for expansion and flexibility during childbirth and early development.
- 10. The study of the skull, known as craniofacial anatomy, is important in various fields such as medicine, dentistry, anthropology, and forensic science. Understanding the structure and function of the skull is essential for diagnosing and treating conditions related to the head and face.