Cranial Bones and Facial Bones

Cranial (8). Facial (14)

Cranium Bone: Frontal bone (1)

• Forms the forehead, the roof of the orbits (eye sockets), and the anterior portion of the cranial floor

• It contains the frontal sinuses, which help reduce skull weight and enhance voice resonance

Cranium Bone: Parietal bones (2)

• Form the superior and lateral walls of the cranium

• These bones meet at the sagittal suture

Cranium Bone: Temporal bones (2)

• Form the inferior lateral walls of the skull.

• House the structures of the middle and inner ear

• Include features such as the mastoid process and styloid process

Cranium Bone: Occipital bone (1)

• Forms the posterior and inferior portions of the skull

• It contains the foramen magnum

• The large opening through which the spinal cord connects to the brain

Cranium Bone: Sphenoid bone (1)

• A butterfly-shaped bone that forms part of the cranial floor and the walls of the orbits

• It is considered a “keystone” bone because it articulates with all other cranial bones

Cranium Bone: Ethmoid Bone (1)

• Forms part of the nasal cavity, nasal septum, and medial walls of the orbits.

• Contains the cribriform plate

  • Allows passage of olfactory nerves for the sense of smell.

Facial Bones: Nasal bones (2)

Form the bridge of the nose

Facial Bones: Maxillae (2)

• Form the upper jaw and anterior hard palate

• Contain the maxillary sinuses

• House upper teeth

Facial Bones: Zygomatic bones (2)

• Commonly known as the cheekbones

• Form the lateral walls of the orbits

Facial Bones: Palatine bones (2)

Form the posterior portion of the hard palate

Facial Bones: Lacrimal bones (2)

• Small bones located in the medial walls of the orbits

• They house the lacrimal (tear) ducts

Facial Bones: Inferior nasal conchae (2)

• Curved bones within the nasal

  • Increase surface area to warm

  • Humidify incoming air

Facial Bones: Vomer (1)

Forms the inferior portion of the nasal septum

Facial Bones: Mandible (1)

• Lower jaw and only movable one of the skull

• Articulates with temporal bones at the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)

• Holds the lower teeth