How many facial bones are in the human skull?
The human skull is composed of two primary regions: the cranium, which protects the brain, and the facial skeleton. The facial region consists of 14 individual bones that form the structure of the face.1
These bones include:
* Maxillae (2): The upper jaw bones, which form the middle and lower portion of the eye socket and house the upper teeth.12
* Zygomatic bones (2): The cheekbones, which articulate with the temporal and maxillary bones.1
* Nasal bones (2): Small bones that form the bridge of the nose.12
* Lacrimal bones (2): Small bones located in the eye socket.
* Palatine bones (2): Bones that contribute to the hard palate and nasal cavity.1
* Inferior nasal conchae (2): Also known as turbinate bones, located within the nasal cavity.1
* Vomer (1): A single bone that helps form the nasal septum.1
* Mandible (1): The lower jaw bone, which is the only movable bone of the skull.12
Together, these structures provide the framework for the face and support essential functions such as mastication and sensory perception.12