Identifying Skull Bones

Study Notes

Skull Bones

Cranial Bones

Comprise the protective case for the brain.
Total of 8 cranial bones:
1. Frontal Bone: Forehead region; forms the anterior part of the skull.
2. Parietal Bones (2): Located on the sides and roof of the skull.
3. Temporal Bones (2): Located at the sides and base; house structures of the ear.
4. Occipital Bone: Forms the posterior base of the skull; contains the foramen magnum.
5. Sphenoid Bone: Butterfly-shaped; located at the base of the skull, articulates with all cranial bones.
6. Ethmoid Bone: Located between the eyes; forms part of the nasal cavity and orbits.

Facial Bones

Comprise the structure of the face.
Total of 14 facial bones:
1. Maxillae (2): Upper jaw; supports teeth and forms parts of the orbit.
2. Zygomatic Bones (2): Cheekbones; form the lateral walls of the orbits.
3. Palatine Bones (2): Form the posterior part of the hard palate.
4. Nasal Bones (2): Small bones forming the bridge of the nose.
5. Lacrimal Bones (2): Smallest bones in the face; form part of the medial wall of the orbit.
6. Inferior Nasal Conchae (2): Form part of the lateral walls of the nasal cavity.
7. Vomer: Forms part of the nasal septum.
8. Mandible: Lower jaw; the only movable facial bone.

Sutures Of The Skull

Fibrous joints that connect cranial bones.
Major sutures include:
1. Coronal Suture: Between the frontal and parietal bones.
2. Sagittal Suture: Between the two parietal bones.
3. Lambdoid Suture: Between the parietal bones and the occipital bone.
4. Squamous Suture: Between the temporal and parietal bones.
Function: Allow for growth of the skull during childhood; become rigid as one ages.

Skull Anatomy

The skull can be divided into two main sections:
1. Cranium: Houses and protects the brain.
2. Facial Skeleton: Structures that form the face.
Key features include:
- Foramina: Openings for the passage of nerves and blood vessels.
- Sinuses: Air-filled spaces that reduce skull weight and enhance voice resonance.
Articulations: Skull bones are interconnected by sutures, allowing minimal movement for protection.

Cranial Bones

Eight bones compose the cranium, protecting the brain.
Frontal Bone: Located at the forehead, forms the anterior portion of the skull.
Parietal Bones (2): Situated on the sides and roof, they provide structural support.
Temporal Bones (2): Found on the sides and base, they encase ear structures.
Occipital Bone: Forms the back of the skull and contains the foramen magnum for spinal cord passage.
Sphenoid Bone: Butterfly-shaped bone at the skull's base, connecting with all cranial bones.
Ethmoid Bone: Positioned between the eyes, it contributes to the nasal cavity and orbits.

Facial Bones

Fourteen bones constitute the facial structure.
Maxillae (2): Upper jaw supporting teeth and contributing to the orbit's structure.
Zygomatic Bones (2): Known as cheekbones, they form the lateral walls of the orbits.
Palatine Bones (2): Make up the posterior section of the hard palate.
Nasal Bones (2): Small structures that form the bridge of the nose.
Lacrimal Bones (2): The smallest facial bones, they contribute to the medial orbit wall.
Inferior Nasal Conchae (2): Form part of the nasal cavity's lateral walls.
Vomer: Integral to the formation of the nasal septum.
Mandible: The only movable facial bone, known as the lower jaw.

Sutures of the Skull

Sutures are fibrous joints connecting cranial bones, providing stability.
Coronal Suture: Joins the frontal and parietal bones.
Sagittal Suture: Located between the two parietal bones.
Lambdoid Suture: Connects the parietal bones to the occipital bone.
Squamous Suture: Found between the temporal and parietal bones.
Functionally, sutures allow skull growth in childhood and become rigid with age.

Skull Anatomy

The skull consists of two main parts: the Cranium and Facial Skeleton.
Cranium: Provides housing and protection for the brain.
Facial Skeleton: Comprises all structures that create the face.
Foramina: Openings facilitating the passage of nerves and blood vessels.
Sinuses: Air-filled cavities that lighten the skull and improve voice resonance.
Skull bones are interconnected through sutures, allowing limited movement for overall protection.

Description

This quiz covers the key features and functions of cranial and facial bones. You'll explore the 8 cranial bones that protect the brain and the 14 facial bones that form the structure of the face. Test your knowledge on anatomy with this engaging quiz!