Baghdad University

Al-Khwarizmi College of Engineering

Department of Biomedical Engineering

Skull
:By

Fatima Kadim Abdel Amer

:Supervisor
MSc. Mohammed Rashid

2024
 INTRODUCTION OF SKULL

A skull is a bony structure that forms the head of most vertebrates, including
humans. It provides protection for the brain and supports various sensory
organs, such as the eyes, ears, and nose. The human skull is composed of
several bones that are rigidly joined together to form a solid structure [1].

The skull consists of two main parts: the cranium and the mandible. The
cranium is the upper part of the skull that encloses and protects the
brain. It is made up of eight bones that are fused together, including the
frontal bone, parietal bones, temporal bones, occipital bone, sphenoid
bone, and ethmoid bone. These bones form a protective shell around the
brain, shielding it from external forces [2].

The mandible, commonly known as the lower jaw, is the only movable
bone in the skull. It plays a crucial role in chewing, speaking, and facial
expressions [9]. The mandible is connected to the cranium by a joint
called the temporomandibular joint, allowing for movement and
flexibility [3].

The human skull also houses several sensory organs. The eye sockets, or
orbits, protect the eyeballs and associated structures, such as the
muscles and nerves responsible for eye movement. The nasal cavity,
located in the middle of the face, contains the olfactory receptors for the
sense of smell. The ear structures, including the external ear, middle ear,
and inner ear, are also housed within the skull, enabling hearing and
balance [4].

Skulls have been of great interest to scientists, anthropologists, and

artists throughout history. They provide valuable information about the
anatomy, evolution, and health of an individual or a species.
Anthropologists study skulls to understand human evolution, migration
patterns, and population genetics [10]. Forensic scientists use skulls to
identify individuals and determine causes of death. Artists and sculptors
often depict skulls as symbols of mortality, spirituality, or artistic
expression [5].
 STRACTURE OF SKULLS

The cranium consist of the following bones [6]:-

Frontal bone: one bone

Ethmoid bone: one bone

Sphenoid bone: one bone

Occipital bone: one bone

Parietal bones: paired (2 bones)

Temporal bones: paired (2 bones)

The facial skeleton consists of the following bones [7]:

Zygomatic bones: paired (2 bones)

Maxillae: paired (2 bones)

Nasal bones: paired (2 bones)

Lacrimal bones: paired (2 bones)

Palatine bones: paired (2 bones)

Inferior conchae: paired (2 bones)

Mandible: one bone

 Vomer: one bone

These bones are joined together by immovable joints called sutures. The
structure of the skull is designed to provide protection to the brain and
support the sensory organs, such as the eyes, nose, and ears. It also plays
a crucial role in facial aesthetics and provides attachment points for
muscles involved in chewing, speech, and facial expressions [8].
References:

1. Standring, S. (Ed.). (2016). Gray's anatomy: the anatomical basis of

clinical practice. Elsevier Health Sciences.

2. White, T. D., & Folkens, P. A. (2005). The human bone manual.

Academic Press.

3. Wood, J. W., Milner, G. R., Harpending, H. C., & Weiss, K. M. (1992).

The osteological paradox: problems of inferring prehistoric health from
skeletal samples. Current anthropology, 33(4), 343-370.

4. White, T. D., & Folkens, P. A. (2012). The Human Bone Manual.

Academic Press.

5. Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2018). Clinically Oriented

Anatomy. Wolters Kluwer.

6. Standring, S. (Ed.). (2016). Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of

Clinical Practice. Elsevier Health Sciences.

7. Schuenke, M., Schulte, E., & Schumacher, U. (2018). Thieme Atlas of

Anatomy: General Anatomy and Musculoskeletal System. Thieme.

8. Larsen, W. J. (2017). Human Embryology. Churchill Livingstone.

9. Gray, H., & Standring, S. (Eds.). (2015). Gray's Anatomy: The

Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. Elsevier

10.tandring, S., et al. (Eds.). (2020). Gray's Anatomy for Students. Elsevier.