Human Skull Flashcards
How many bones in skull?
8 cranial, 14 facial and 7 associated
Part of the axial skeleton along with the vertebral column and thoracic cage
Name 8 Cranial Bones
Occipital, Parietal x 2, Temporal x 2, Sphenoid, Ethmoid
Name the 14 facial bones
Maxillae x2, palatine x2, nasal x2, inferior nasal conchae x2, zygomatic bones x2, lacrimal bones x2, vomer and mandible
Name the 7 associated bones
Hyoid bone, 6 auditory ossicles in temporal bones
Frontal Cranial Bones
Are parietal, temporal, occipital, sphenoid and ethmoid
Metopuc suture fuses between 3 and 9 months of age
Temporal Cranial Bones
Ear has external/internal acoustic meatus
Divided into squamous (flat), mastoid, tympanic and petrous portions
Includes mastoid and styloid processes
Fonatelles
Fibrous regions between juvenile cranial bones
Allow for brain growth and bone movement without damage during childbirth
Pnuematised Bones
Make the skull lighter, some bones contain air-filled spaces
Such as paranasal sinuses which produce mucous, lighten the bone for energy, small contribution to resonance
Mastoid air cells, continuous with middle ear cavity are also pneumatised.
Foramina and Fissures
Provide passageways
Functions of the Skull
Protection for the brain, inner ear (hearing and balance), eyes, guards entrances to digestive and respiratory systems
Provides attachment site for numerous muscles allowing movement
Blood cell formation occurs -> bone marrow
Foramina and fissures provide a pathway for nerves and vessels
Assists in mastication, facial expression and articulation
Age and Sex Differences in Skull Structure
Male: Larger and more rigid
Female: smaller and smoother
Discriminating features include: mastoid process, brow ridge, forehead slant, external occipital protuberance which is more pronounced in males
