cranium
Quick Summary
The cranium is the part of the skull that encloses the brain. It is composed of bones or cartilage and protects the brain and some sense organs. In humans, the cranium is globular and relatively large compared to the face, unlike in most other animals where the facial portion is larger.12
The human cranium is supported by the atlas, the highest vertebra, allowing for nodding and side-to-side head movements. Key bones forming the cranium include the occipital bone at the base, the parietal and temporal bones on the sides and top, and the frontal bone forming the forehead. The cranial floor is made up of the sphenoid and ethmoid bones. In infants, the sutures between these bones are loose but fuse with age.12
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skullThe human cranium, the part that contains the brain, is globular and relatively large in comparison with the face. In most other animals the facial portion of the skull, including the upper teeth and the nose, is larger than the cranium. In humans the skull is supported…
Read MoreThe human cranium, the part that contains the brain, is globular and relatively large in comparison with the face. In most other animals the facial portion of the skull, including the upper teeth and the nose, is larger than the cranium. In humans the skull is supported…
Read More
human skeletonThe craniumThe cranium—the part of the skull that encloses the brain—is sometimes called the braincase, but its intimate relation to the sense organs for sight, sound, smell, and taste and to other structures makes such a designation somewhat misleading.
Read MoreThe cranium—the part of the skull that encloses the brain—is sometimes called the braincase, but its intimate relation to the sense organs for sight, sound, smell, and taste and to other structures makes such a designation somewhat misleading.
Read More
