The Cranial Bones

Cranial bones are the bones that make up the skull, which is the protective bony structure that encases the brain. There are eight cranial bones in total, which are:

  1. Frontal bone: forms the forehead and the upper part of the eye sockets.


  2. Parietal bones: two bones located on the sides and top of the skull.



  3. Temporal bones: two bones located on the sides and base of the skull, which contain the ear canals and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).



  4. Occipital bone: located at the back of the skull and forms the base of the skull.



  5. Sphenoid bone: located at the base of the skull, between the frontal and temporal bones, and forms part of the eye sockets.


    Ethmoid bone: located at the front of the skull, between the two orbits, and forms part of the nasal cavity and the eye sockets.




These cranial bones are connected to each other by sutures, which are fibrous joints that allow for some movement during childbirth and skull growth in children. The cranial bones are also important for protecting the brain from injury and trauma.


Facial bones refer to the bones that make up the structure of the face. There are a total of 14 facial bones, which are:

  1. Mandible (1) - The lower jawbone.
  2. Maxilla (2) - The upper jawbones, which form the roof of the mouth, part of the orbital floor, and the sides of the nasal cavity.
  3. Zygomatic bones (2) - The cheekbones.
  4. Nasal bones (2) - The bones that form the bridge of the nose.
  5. Lacrimal bones (2) - The smallest bones of the face, which form part of the medial wall of the orbit (eye socket).
  6. Palatine bones (2) - The bones that form the posterior part of the hard palate and part of the nasal cavity.
  7. Inferior nasal conchae (2) - The scroll-like bones that protrude into the nasal cavity.
  8. Vomer (1) - The bone that forms part of the nasal septum.

Overall, the facial bones work together to provide structural support, protect the sensory organs, and aid in functions such as chewing, speaking, and breathing.



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