Skull

Definition

The skull is a bony structure that forms the head in the skeleton of vertebrates; it supports the structures of the face and provides a protective cavity for the brain. It consists of two parts: the cranium and the facial bones.

Related terms

Cranium:

The part of the skull that encloses the brain, composed of 8 bones that are fused together.

Mandible:

The largest and strongest bone of the face, serving as the moveable lower jaw.

Sutures:

These are immovable joints located between the bones of the skull, allowing for growth during infancy and stability in adulthood