The bony skeleton of the head, which rests on the 1st cervical vertebra. The skull protects the brain, houses the special sense organs, provides points of attachment for muscles, and forms part of the respiratory and digestive tracts. The 8 bones of the cranium encase the brain. The skull’s facial skeleton includes the nasal and cheek bones, maxilla, and mandible. All except the mandible are fixed together by immovable joints.
Skull |
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