MEDICAL BIOLOGY, HUMAN ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY - Ya.I. Fedonyuk 2010

ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY, PATHOLOGY

SECTION 2. THE MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM (THE MECHANICS OF MOVEMENT)

THE SKELETON OF THE HEAD. THE SKULL

The BONES OF THE HEAD collectively form the Skull (cranium). It serves as a protective enclosure for the Brain and certain Sensory Organs (Vision, smell, taste) (Fig. 2.7). In addition, the cranial bones provide structural support for the initial segments of the respiratory tract (Nasal cavity) and the Digestive System (Oral Cavity). Consequently, the skull is divided into the neurocranium (braincase) and the viscerocranium (facial Skeleton). The neurocranium is formed by two paired bones — the temporal and parietal bones — and four unpaired bones — the frontal, ethmoid, sphenoid, and occipital bones. The bones of the facial skeleton include six paired bones: the Maxilla, nasal, lacrimal, zygomatic, and palatine bones, as well as the Inferior nasal concha, and two unpaired bones: the Mandible and Vomer. The Hyoid bone is also classified among the facial bones.

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Fig. 2.7. The skull; anterior view.

Most cranial bones have a rather complex Structure, featuring numerous openings and canals for the passage of Blood Vessels and nerves. Some bones contain air-filled cavities or Cells (sinuses) within them. The shape of the skull depends on The Development of the brain and the masticatory apparatus. In humans, the neurocranium is significantly larger than the facial skeleton.