Bones of the Skull

The skull is composed of several bones that protect the brain, support the structures of the face, and provide attachment points for muscles. Here is an overview of the bones of the skull:

1. Cranial Bones:

   • Frontal Bone: Forms the forehead and the upper part of the eye sockets.

   • Parietal Bones: Paired bones that form the sides and roof of the skull.

   • Temporal Bones: Paired bones that form the lower sides and base of the skull. They house the ear structures.

   • Occipital Bone: Forms the back and base of the skull. It has a large opening called the foramen magnum, through which the spinal cord passes.

   • Sphenoid Bone: Located at the base of the skull, it helps form the base of the eye sockets and contains the sphenoidal sinuses.

   • Ethmoid Bone: Located in the front of the skull, it forms the roof of the nasal cavity and part of the nasal septum.

2. Facial Bones:

   • Maxilla Bones: Paired bones that form the upper jaw and contribute to the hard palate, the floor of the orbit (eye socket), and the sides of the nasal cavity.

   • Zygomatic Bones: Paired bones that form the cheekbones and part of the lateral orbital wall.

   • Nasal Bones: Paired bones that form the bridge of the nose.

   • Lacrimal Bones: Paired bones located behind the nasal bones, contributing to the medial walls of the orbit.

   • Palatine Bones: Paired bones that form the posterior part of the hard palate, part of the floor and lateral wall of the nasal cavity, and a small part of the orbit.

   • Vomer Bone: Located in the midline of the skull, it forms the inferior part of the nasal septum.

   • Inferior Nasal Conchae (Turbinates): Paired bones that help increase the surface area within the nasal cavity.

   • Mandible: The lower jawbone, which articulates with the temporal bones to form the temporomandibular joints.

These bones articulate with each other at sutures, which are fibrous joints that allow for minimal movement during growth and development. The skull bones also contain various foramina (openings) through which nerves, blood vessels, and other structures pass.