The human skull, also known as the head, is one of the fundamental parts of the anatomy of the human body. It protects one of the most important organs, the brain, and is made up of several bones that fuse to form a strong and protective structure. In this article, we will explore how many bones make up the human skull and what each of them are called.
How many bones make up the skull?
The human skull is made up of a total of 22 bones, of which 8 are essential to cover and protect the brain, and the other 14 are divided into facial bones. The bones of the skull are joined together by sutures, which are fibrous joints that allow some flexibility and movement, while providing stability and resistance to the structure.
Skull bones: nomenclature and function
The bones of the skull are classified into two main categories: the cranial bones, which make up the top and back of the skull, and the facial bones, which make up the front and middle of the head. Next, we will describe each of the bones that make up the human skull:
Cranial bones
The cranial bones are those that form the cranial vault, which protects and covers the brain. These bones are joined together by sutures and play a crucial role in protecting the brain. The cranial bones are divided into two groups: the bones of the skull that surround the brain and the bones of the face.
1. Parietal bones
The parietal bones are two flat bones located at the top and side of the skull. They join at the top of the head at the sagittal suture and form part of the cranial vault. These bones protect the parietal lobes of the brain and help maintain the shape and structure of the skull.
2. Frontal bone
The frontal bone is a flat bone that forms the anterior part of the cranial vault and the upper part of the eye orbit. It contains the forehead and the anterior cranial region and contributes to the protection of the frontal lobes of the brain. This bone also participates in the formation of the ocular cavity and facial aesthetics.
3. Occipital bone
The occipital bone is located at the back and bottom of the skull, and forms the base of the cranial vault. In its lower portion is the foramen occipital, through which the spinal cord passes and connects with the brain. This bone also protects the posterior portion of the brain and is related to motor coordination and vision.
4. Temporal bones
The temporal bones are two bones located in the lower lateral region of the skull. They contain the external auditory canal and are part of the jaw joint. In addition, the temporal bones house structures of the inner ear and participate in hearing and balance functions.
Facial bones
The facial bones are the bones that make up the anterior and middle part of the head, including the bones of the nasal cavity, eye socket, jaw and mouth. These bones protect the sensory organs and play a crucial role in chewing, breathing and speaking.
1. Nasal bones
The nasal bones are two small bones that form the bridge of the nose. They contribute to the protection of the nasal cavity and facial aesthetics, being essential for the shape and function of the nose.
2. Upper jaws (maxillary bones)
The upper jaws are two bones that form the upper jaw and contain the upper teeth. These bones participate in the jaw joint, in the formation of the oral and nasal cavity, and in chewing food.
3. Mandible (mandibular bone)
The mandible is the mobile bone of the face and lower jaw. It contains the lower teeth and is involved in functions such as chewing, articulation, and verbal communication. The jaw is a unique bone in that it can move and perform a wide range of movements to facilitate eating and speaking.
4. Zygomatic bones
The zygomatic bones, also known as cheekbones, are two bones that are part of the eye socket and the cheek. These bones contribute to the facial structure and are involved in aesthetic and supporting functions of the soft tissues of the face.
5. Lacrimal bones
The lacrimal bones are two small bones located on the inner side of the eye socket. They participate in the formation of the tear canal and contribute to the production and drainage of tears, maintaining moisture and cleanliness on the surface of the eye.
6. Palatine
The palatine bones are two bones that are part of the palate and the nasal cavity. They contribute to the structure of the hard palate and participate in the separation between the oral and nasal cavities, allowing adequate breathing and swallowing.
7. Vomer
The vomer is a thin, flat bone located at the bottom of the nasal cavity. It participates in the structure of the nasal septum and in the separation of the nasal passages. The vomer collaborates in the regulation of air flow and the resonance of the voice.
8. Inferior nasal conchae
The inferior nasal conchae are two shell-shaped bones located in the nasal cavity. These bones contribute to warming, humidifying and filtering inspired air, helping to keep the airways clean and functional.
Conclusion
In short, the human skull is made up of a total of 22 bones that join together to form a robust and protective structure. Both the bones of the skull and the facial bones play vital roles in protecting the sensory organs, shaping the head, and carrying out everyday activities such as chewing, breathing, and communication. Knowing the anatomy of the bones of the head is essential to understanding the importance of bone structure in the functioning of the human body.