anatomy/skull·Bone
Skull
Cranium
22 bones that protect the brain and the sense organs. Only the lower jaw can move.
// Structure & location
The skull consists of the braincase, which encloses the brain, and the facial skeleton with the eye sockets, nose and jaws. Apart from the lower jaw, the bones are joined by firm, zigzag sutures. In newborns these sutures are still open, so the head can give during birth and growth.
// Function
It protects the brain and houses the eyes, ears, nose and tongue. The chewing muscles attach to the lower jaw and temples. According to OpenStax, the joints between the skull and the top two neck vertebrae allow nodding (yes) and turning the head (no).
// For training & sport
- When lifting, keep the head in line with the spine, neither strongly tilted back nor tucked.
- In cycling, climbing and skiing a helmet protects, because the skull can only absorb so much impact.
// Good to know
The hyoid bone in the neck belongs to the head region, but according to OpenStax it is the only bone that doesn't connect to any other bone. It is held in place only by muscles.
// Sources
last reviewed: 2026-11-14