Bones of the cranium Flashcards
Q: Which bone forms the anterior portion of the cranium and the roof of the orbits?
A: The frontal bone.
Q: Name the paired bones that form the superior and lateral aspects of the cranium.
A: The parietal bones.
Q: Which bone is located at the base of the skull and contains the foramen magnum?
A: The occipital bone.
Q: Which cranial bone contains the sella turcica, where the pituitary gland is located?
A: The sphenoid bone.
Q: Name the bone that contributes to the medial wall of the orbit and contains the cribriform plate.
A: The ethmoid bone.
Q: Which bones form part of the floor of the cranium and contain the middle and inner ear structures?
A: The temporal bones.
Q: Which bone articulates with all the other cranial bones, helping to hold them together?
A: The sphenoid bone.
Q: Name the bone that forms the lower posterior part of the nasal septum.
A: The vomer bone.
Q: Which paired bones form the bridge of the nose?
A: The nasal bones.
Q: What is the term for the joint that connects the parietal bones to the frontal bone?
A: The coronal suture.
Q: Where is the foramen magnum located, and what is its significance?
A: The foramen magnum is located in the occipital bone at the base of the skull. It is a large opening that allows the passage of the spinal cord as it exits the cranial cavity to connect with the brainstem. It also serves as a conduit for the vertebral arteries and the spinal accessory nerve (cranial nerve XI).
Q: What are the occipital condyles, and what is their function?
A: The occipital condyles are two rounded protrusions located on either side of the foramen magnum on the inferior surface of the occipital bone. They articulate with the superior facets of the first cervical vertebra (the atlas), allowing for the nodding motion of the head (flexion and extension). This articulation forms the atlanto-occipital joint, which is crucial for head movement.
