Theskull-StudyGuide

Orbit

A protective cavity for the eye composed of seven bones: frontal, sphenoid, ethmoid, lacrimal, zygomatic, maxilla, and palatine.

Frontal Bone

Forms the roof and part of the medial wall of the orbit and houses the frontal lobe of the brain.

Sphenoid Bone

Contributes to the floor of the orbit, contains the optic canal for the passage of the optic nerve.

Zygomatic Bone

Forms the anterior part of the lateral orbital wall; commonly known as the cheekbone.

Cranial bones

Bones that form the structure of the skull, protecting the brain and housing sensory organs.

Mandible

The only movable bone of the skull, forming the lower jaw and enabling actions such as chewing.

Fontanels

Soft spots on a baby's skull that allow for flexibility during birth and rapid brain growth.

Septal Cartilage

The flexible structure within the nose that maintains the shape of the nasal septum.

Paranasal Sinuses

Air-filled cavities located in the skull that lighten the weight of the skull and help humidify inhaled air.

Sutures

Immovable fibrous joints connecting skull bones, allowing for stability and growth.

Internal Acoustic Meatus

A bony canal that connects the posterior cranial fossa to the petrous part of the temporal bone.

Jugular Foramen

A large opening at the base of the skull allowing passage for the jugular vein and several cranial nerves.

Ethmoid Bone

A delicate bone located between the eyes, forming part of the nasal cavity and eye socket.

Deviated Septum

A shift in the nasal septum leading to airflow blockages and potential sinus issues.

Parietal Bone

Paired bones located at the top of the skull, forming the sides and roof of the cranium.

Occipital Bone

The bone at the back of the skull that contains the foramen magnum and protects the visual processing center.

Maxilla

The upper jaw bone that carries the upper teeth and forms part of the orbit and palate.

Optic Canal

A passageway in the skull that allows the optic nerve and ophthalmic artery to pass from the eye to the brain.

Hard Palate

The bony structure in the roof of the mouth formed by the maxilla and palatine bones.

Vomer

A small bone in the nasal cavity that forms part of the nasal septum.

Temporal Bone

A large bone at the base of the skull that houses structures like the inner ear, important for hearing.

Lacrimal Bone

A thin, fragile bone of the face that contributes to the structure of the eye socket.

Superior Orbital Fissure

An opening in the skull that facilitates the passage of cranial nerves and blood vessels to the eye.