The skull, specifically the cranium, protects the brain.
The cranium is the bony structure that encases the brain and is made up of eight bones:
- Frontal bone: The forehead bone.
- Parietal bones (2): The top and sides of the skull.
- Temporal bones (2): The sides of the skull, near the ears.
- Occipital bone: The back of the skull.
- Sphenoid bone: A butterfly-shaped bone at the base of the skull.
- Ethmoid bone: A bone that forms part of the roof of the nose and the floor of the cranium.
These bones are joined together by sutures, which are strong, fibrous joints that allow for some flexibility and growth during childhood. The cranium's protective function is crucial, safeguarding the brain from injury.
