Cranium

Definition

The cranium is the part of the skull that encloses the brain, composed of eight interlocking bones. It provides protection for the brain and supports facial structures.

Related terms

Sutures:

Fibrous joints that connect the bones of the cranium, allowing for growth during infancy before fusing in adulthood.

Fontanelles:

Soft spots on a baby's head where the sutures intersect, which later harden as the skull fully develops.

Mandible:

The largest and strongest bone of the face, serving as the lower jawbone, which articulates with the cranium to allow mouth movement