SKULL ANATOMY
,The skull is a bony structure that supports the face and forms a protective cavity for the
brain. It is comprised of many bones, which are formed by intramembranous ossification,
and joined by sutures (fibrous joints).
The bones of the skull can be considered as two groups: those of the cranium (which
consist of the cranial roof and cranial base) and those of the face.
, Cranium
The cranium (also known as the neurocranium) is formed by the superior aspect of the skull. It encloses and
protects the brain, meninges, and cerebral vasculature.
Anatomically, the cranium can be subdivided into a roof and a base:
● Cranial roof – comprised of the frontal, occipital and two parietal bones. It is also known as the calvarium.
● Cranial base – comprised of six bones: frontal, sphenoid, ethmoid, occipital, parietal and temporal. These
bones articulate with the 1st cervical vertebra (atlas), the facial bones, and the mandible (jaw).
,The skull is a bony structure that supports the face and forms a protective cavity for the
brain. It is comprised of many bones, which are formed by intramembranous ossification,
and joined by sutures (fibrous joints).
The bones of the skull can be considered as two groups: those of the cranium (which
consist of the cranial roof and cranial base) and those of the face.
, Cranium
The cranium (also known as the neurocranium) is formed by the superior aspect of the skull. It encloses and
protects the brain, meninges, and cerebral vasculature.
Anatomically, the cranium can be subdivided into a roof and a base:
● Cranial roof – comprised of the frontal, occipital and two parietal bones. It is also known as the calvarium.
● Cranial base – comprised of six bones: frontal, sphenoid, ethmoid, occipital, parietal and temporal. These
bones articulate with the 1st cervical vertebra (atlas), the facial bones, and the mandible (jaw).
