- Topic
- Anatomy & Physiology
The Human Skull
The human skull is made up of two main parts: the cranium and the mandible. The cranium is made up of eight bones that protect the brain and provide attachment sites for muscles of the head and neck. The mandible, or lower jaw bone, is the only movable bone in the skull and is connected to the cranium by a joint called the temporomandibular joint. The bones of the skull also house the sensory organs for vision, hearing, and smell.
The skull has several unique features that distinguish it from other parts of the body. For example, the sinuses within many of the skull bones serve to lighten the weight of the head and to produce mucus that helps to moisten and warm the air we breathe. The teeth, embedded within the mandible and maxilla bones of the skull, are used for biting and chewing food.
Overall, the skull is an incredibly complex and important structure that plays a vital role in protecting the brain and supporting many of the functions of the head and neck.