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skull

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

The skull is the bony structure that encloses and protects the brain, face, and upper neck. It is made up of 22 bones, which are fused together at immovable joints called sutures.

The skull is divided into two main parts: the cranium and the facial skeleton.

The cranium is the part of the skull that surrounds the brain. It is made up of eight bones: the frontal bone, the parietal bones (two bones), the temporal bones (two bones), the occipital bone, and the sphenoid bone.

The facial skeleton is the part of the skull that makes up the face. It is made up of 14 bones: the nasal bones (two bones), the maxillae (two bones), the mandible (lower jawbone), the lacrimal bones (two bones), the zygomatic bones (two bones), the palatine bones (two bones), the ethmoid bone, and the vomer bone.

The skull is very important for protecting the brain. It also helps to support the face and provides a place for the muscles of the face to attach.

The skull is also important for speech and hearing. The bones of the skull help to amplify sound waves and transmit them to the inner ear. The skull also houses the vocal cords, which are responsible for producing sound.

How can the word be used?

The animal's skull was removed for study.

skull

Different forms of the word

Noun:

  • the bony framework of the head that protects the brain.
  • the head of an animal, especially a dead one.
  • a hard, dry fruit or seed case.

Verb:

  • to remove the skull from an animal.
  • to damage or break the skull.

Etymology

The word "skull" comes from the Old English word "sceal", which also means "skull".

The first recorded use of the word "skull" in English was in the 8th century.

The word "skull" is an Old English word, and it is related to the Dutch word "schedel" and the German word "Schädel".

Question

Why are skulls important?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Explain the significance of the skull in protecting the brain and supporting sensory organs, detailing how its structure accommodates the brain's size and shape.

Answer:

The skull holds immense importance as a protective structure for the brain and a support system for sensory organs. Its intricate design safeguards the brain, while its accommodations for the brain's size and shape contribute to overall cranial stability.

The primary role of the skull is to encase and shield the brain from external forces that could cause injury. Its hard and rigid bones act as a barrier, reducing the risk of trauma to the brain, a critical organ responsible for bodily functions and cognition.

Moreover, the skull accommodates the brain's size and shape, ensuring a snug fit. The complex curvature of the skull's interior provides a secure housing for the brain, preventing excessive movement within the cranial cavity. This stability is crucial for maintaining the brain's function and preventing potential damage due to jolts or impacts.

In addition to safeguarding the brain, the skull houses sensory organs like the eyes, ears, and nasal cavities. The eye sockets, for instance, protect the delicate eyeballs, while the ear's bony structures contribute to sound conduction.