MAP Unit 5: Bones Part 2 - The Skull

Frontal Bone (1)

Forms the forehead and roof of the eye sockets; protects the front portion of the brain.

Parietal Bones (2)

Form the upper sides and roof of the skull; protect the upper part of the brain.

Temporal Bones (2)

Located on the sides of the skull near the ears; house structures of the middle and inner ear.

Occipital Bone (1)

Forms the back and base of the skull; contains the foramen magnum, where the spinal cord passes through.

Sphenoid Bone (1)

Butterfly-shaped bone at the base of the skull; contains the sella turcica, which holds the pituitary gland.

Ethmoid Bone (1)

Helps form the nasal cavity, nasal septum, and medial walls of the eye sockets; contains the cribriform plate for olfactory nerves.

Maxillae (2)

Form the upper jaw, part of the hard palate, floor of the nose, and floor of the eye sockets; hold the upper teeth.

Mandible (1)

Forms the lower jaw and holds the lower teeth; the only movable bone of the skull (excluding auditory ossicles).

Zygomatic Bones (2)

Form the cheekbones and part of the outer walls of the eye sockets.

Nasal Bones (2)

Form the bridge of the nose.

Lacrimal Bones (2)

Small bones on the medial walls of the eye sockets; help form the tear drainage passage.

Palatine Bones (2)

Form the back portion of the hard palate (roof of the mouth).

Inferior Nasal Conchae (2)

Curved bones inside the nasal cavity that help warm, humidify, and filter inhaled air.

Vomer (1)

Forms the lower and back portion of the nasal septum, separating the nasal cavity into left and right sides.

How many cranial bones are there?

8 cranial bones.

How many facial bones are there?

14 facial bones.

How many total bones are in the adult skull?

22 bones.