The skull anatomy

Skull

A vital structure comprising multiple bones that provide protection and support for the brain and face.

Neurocranium

The part of the skull that forms the cranial vault and base, containing 8 bones, protecting the brain.

Viscerocranium

The facial skeleton, forming the framework of the face and containing cavities for special sense organs.

Foramina

Openings in the skull that allow the passage of nerves and blood vessels.

Cranial Sutures

Fibrous junctions that unite the bones of the skull.

Temporomandibular Joint

The synovial joint where the mandible articulates with the skull.

Sphenoid Bone

A prominent, irregular, wedge-shaped bone at the base of the skull known as the 'keystone' of cranial bones.

Foramen Magnum

A large hole in the occipital bone that allows the passage of the spinal cord.

Dural Folds

Folded layers of dura mater that extend into the cranial cavity, stabilizing the brain.

Falx Cerebri

A dural fold between the cerebral hemispheres.

Tentorium Cerebelli

A dural fold between the cerebrum and cerebellum.

Pia Mater

The innermost layer of the meninges, surrounding the brain.

Mandible

The strongest facial bone that houses the lower teeth.

Orbits

Bilateral pyramidal shaped cavities on the anterior aspect of the skull that house the eyeball.

Paranasal Sinuses

Hollow spaces within certain skull bones that drain into the nasal cavity and have various functions.

Anterior Fontanelle

The largest fontanelle on a fetal skull that closes by 18-24 months.

Optic Canal

A passage in the skull for the optic nerve (CN II).

Jugular Foramen

An opening that allows the passage of cranial nerves IX, X, and XI.

Cranial Nerves

Nerves that emerge directly from the brain and brainstem, with specific foramina facilitating their passage.

What is the role of the skull?

The skull provides protection and support for the brain and face.

What are the two main parts of the skull?

The two main parts of the skull are the neurocranium and the viscerocranium.

What is the function of foramina in the skull?

Foramina are openings that allow the passage of nerves and blood vessels.

What is the temporomandibular joint?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the synovial joint where the mandible articulates with the skull.

What is the significance of the sphenoid bone?

The sphenoid bone is known as the 'keystone' of cranial bones due to its central position and connections to other skull bones.

What does the foramen magnum allow to pass through?

The foramen magnum is a large hole in the occipital bone that allows the passage of the spinal cord.

What is the dural fold that separates the cerebral hemispheres?

The falx cerebri is the dural fold that separates the cerebral hemispheres.

What do paranasal sinuses do?

Paranasal sinuses are hollow spaces within certain skull bones that drain into the nasal cavity and have various functions.

What is the anatomical significance of the cribriform plate in the skull?

The cribriform plate is a horizontal bone located in the ethmoid bone and is significant for the passage of the olfactory nerves (CN I) from the nasal cavity to the brain.

Describe the role of the maxilla in the facial skull structure.

The maxilla forms the upper jaw and supports the upper teeth; it plays a crucial role in forming the boundaries of the oral cavity, nasal cavity, and orbits.

What is the clinical relevance of the pterion in the skull?

The pterion is an important anatomical landmark formed by the union of several skull bones; it is clinically relevant as it is a thin area where a traumatic injury can lead to a fatal epidural hematoma. covers anterior branch of middle meningeal artery.

Explain the function and importance of the mastoid process in the temporal bone.

The mastoid process is a bony prominence of the temporal bone that serves as an attachment point for muscles and plays a role in the structure of the ear and its associated functions.

What is the significance of the nasion in craniofacial anatomy?

The nasion is the bridge of the nose and the anatomical landmark where the frontal and nasal bones meet; it is significant in assessing facial symmetry and in various medical and cosmetic procedures.