The cranium, made famous by Shakespeare’s iconic line “To be, or not to be: that is the question,” is a truly intriguing part of the human body. However, there is much more to marvel at when exploring the intricacies of the skull. Comprised of 22 bones, the skull serves the crucial functions of supporting the facial structure and providing protection for the brain and brain stem. Contrary to popular belief, having a thick skull can actually be advantageous.
Main Parts of the Skull
The structure of the human skull consists of two primary components known as the neurocranium and the viscerocranium. The neurocranium, also referred to as the braincase, serves as a protective framework for the brain and its surrounding membranes. It can be likened to a supporting scaffold that safeguards the brain. On the other hand, the viscerocranium, or the facial skeleton, acts more like a mold, providing support for the facial muscles and contributing to the distinct features of an individual’s face. Identifying the boundary between the braincase and facial skeleton can be done by observing the bones located between the temples and the jaw, which are known as the facial bones. All other bones in the skull belong to the neurocranium.
The Facial Bones: An Overview
The human face is composed of a complex arrangement of facial bones, totaling 14 in number. These bones can be categorized into pairs, with each pair exhibiting a symmetrical layout across the face. Among these paired facial bones are the lacrimal bones, nasal bones, palatine bones, zygomatic bones, maxilla bones, and inferior nasal concha bones. However, there are two facial bones that do not have a counterpart. These include the vomer, situated at the tip of the nose, and the mandible, which forms the jawbone and stretches along the midline of the face. It is important to note that the mandible is distinct from the other facial bones as it attaches to the skull through the only mobile joint found in the skull.