Which bones form the cranium around the brain?

The human cranium is the part of the skull that encloses and protects the brain. It is composed of several large bones that form the vault, sides, and floor of the cranial cavity.12

The bones that form the cranium include:

• Frontal bone: Forms the forehead and part of the roof of the eye sockets.12
• Parietal bones (two): Form a large portion of the side walls and the uppermost part of the cranial dome.12
• Temporal bones (two): Form the sides and part of the base of the cranium.13
• Occipital bone: Forms the base of the cranium and contains the foramen magnum, the opening for the spinal cord.13
• Sphenoid bone: A central bone that contributes to the cranial floor.12
• Ethmoid bone: A midline bone that also serves as part of the cranial floor.13

While the substitution bones generally form the floor of the cranium, the membrane bones primarily form the sides and roof.2