Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The cranial cavity is a hollow space within the skull that encases and protects the brain. It is formed by the cranium's eight bones and contains membranes, blood vessels, and cerebrospinal fluid which cushion the brain.
The part of the skull that encloses the brain, made up of eight bones that are fused together.
Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF): A clear, colorless body fluid found in the brain and spinal cord, providing essential cushioning for the brain within the cranial cavity.