The skull is one of the most important bone parts in the human skeletal system. The skull is composed of several bones with their respective functions.
The skull bones play a major role in shaping the structure of the head and face, as well as protecting the brain from injury. There are several types of bones in the human skeletal system, namely long, short, flat, irregular, and round bones. The bones of the skull are flat and irregular in shape.
The parts of the skull and their functions
The skull consists of two groups of bones, namely the head and facial bones.
Here are the parts of the skull:
1. Front bone
The front bone or forehead bone is able to support the front and back of the skull. The outside of this bone structure is flat and the inside is concave. The main function of the forebrain is to protect the brain and support structures of the head, such as the nasal cavity and eyes.
2. Parietal bone
The parietal bones are a pair of flat bones located on either side of the head, behind the front bone. This bone is also known as the crown bone.
3. Temporal bone
The temporal bone or temple bone is located under each parietal bone. These bones are a pair of irregularly shaped bones that surround the middle and inner ear. The lower part is connected to the jawbone which helps the mouth open and close.
The temporal bone contributes to the structure of the skull while protecting the cerebrum and the membranes around it. These bones are also connected to a number of important muscles, such as those that support chewing, swallowing, and those that move the neck and head.
4. Occipital bone
The occipital bone is a trapezoidal flat bone located at the very back of the skull. This bone has a hole that acts as a link between the spinal cord and the brain.
In particular, the occipital bone protects the part of the brain that processes vision. In addition, these bones also play a role in body movement, balance, and the ability to see and interact.
5. Bones sphenoid
Bone sphenoid or wedge bone is an irregular bone in the middle of the skull, just below the forehead bone and in front of the occipital bone. This bone covers the width of the skull and forms most of the base of the human skull.
Just like other skull bones, bones sphenoid has a function to protect the structure of the brain and nerves. In addition, the back of this bone also plays a role in the process of chewing and speaking.
6. Ethmoid bone
The ethmoid bone is one of the most complex bones located between the eyes. This bone is only the size of an ice cube, weighs light, and is shaped like a sponge that helps form the eye and nasal cavities.
The sinus cavities in the walls of the ethmoid bone also have important functions, including producing mucus to trap harmful allergens, lighten the head, and form vocal tone.
Meanwhile, facial bones are divided into 6 types, including:
Cheek bone
The cheekbones or zygomatic bones are located just below the eyes. This bone is shaped like a rectangle that extends up to the outer side of the eye and down near the jaw.
The thicker, more jagged front of the cheekbones serve as a structure that holds the facial bones together while protecting the arteries, nerves, veins, and organs beneath the skin's surface.
The cheekbones are attached to several other facial bones, including the nasal bones, jawbones, and bones in front of the ears. The lower part of the cheekbones also plays a role in helping the movement of the mouth. The top of the cheekbones connect the facial bones to the top of the skull.
maxillary bone
The upper jaw consists of 2 maxillary pyramidal bones that are fused in the middle. These two bones are located in the center of the face that separates the nasal and oral cavities. The maxillary bone contains the maxillary sinuses which are on each side of the nose.
The jawbone helps define the shape of the face. In addition, this bone is a place for the growth of the upper teeth and forms the roof of the mouth and the bottom of the eye socket. Thus, these bones also play a major role in supporting the process of chewing and speaking.
lacrimal bone
The lacrimal bone is located in the eye socket. This rectangular bone consists of two surfaces, one facing the nose and the other facing the eye.
The lacrimal bone is part of the tear-producing system that structures and supports the eye.
nose bone
Every human being has two nasal bones which are located in the center of the upper face, precisely between the forehead bone and the upper jaw bone. This bone forms the bridge of the nose which is small and oval in size and shape, but can vary from person to person.
The nasal bone serves to bind the cartilage that forms the contours of the human nose.
lower jaw bone
The mandible or mandible is the largest bone in the human skull. The shape of the lower jaw bone consists of two parts, namely the horizontally curved part that forms the lower jaw line and the vertical one that is connected on both sides of the body.
This bone forms the lower part of the skull, the lower tooth structure, and the structure of the mouth along with the maxillary bone. The lower jawbone can also help move the mouth, such as chewing food.
palatine bone
The palatine bone is a bone that helps form the nasal cavity, the cavity under the eyes, and the roof of the mouth. This L-shaped bone is located at the bottom of the skull, behind the upper jawbone and in front of the roof of the mouth.
Clinically, these bones are home to nerves palatine which serves as a signal for pain in the teeth and mouth.
The bones that make up the human skull above are held together by connective tissue called "stitches". These stitches are not fully fused when a baby is born. As we age, the gaps between the bones of the skull close and become stronger to protect the delicate structures of the brain.
By recognizing the parts and functions of the skull bones, it is hoped that you can provide more protection and attention to the head to avoid injury.
If there is a hard enough impact on the head or there are complaints that may be related to disorders in the brain, immediately consult the emergency room or the nearest doctor so that appropriate treatment can be given.