Skull Anatomy and Structure

The human skull represents a masterpiece of anatomical engineering, comprising 22 bones (or 29 when including the inner ear bones and hyoid bone). These bones connect primarily through fibrous joints known as sutures, creating a robust protective structure.

Definition: Sutures are fibrous joints that connect most skull bones, allowing for minimal movement while maintaining structural integrity.

The skull divides into two main categories:

• The neurocranium (braincase): Contains 8 cranial bones
• The viscerocranium (facial skeleton): Contains 14 facial bones

Vocabulary: Neurocranium refers to the protective shell around the brain, while viscerocranium forms the facial structure.

The skull features both paired and single bones:

Paired Bones (8 sets):

• Parietal
• Temporal
• Maxilla
• Nasal bone
• Zygomatic bone
• Lacrimal bone
• Palatine bone
• Inferior nasal concha

Single Bones (5):

• Frontal
• Occipital
• Ethmoid
• Sphenoid
• Vomer

Highlight: The mandible stands out as the only movable bone among the skull bones, essential for speaking and eating functions.

Example: The protective function of the skull is demonstrated by how the neurocranium encases the brain, similar to a protective helmet.