Skip to main content
Back

Skull Bones and Their Functions

Control buttons has been changed to "navigation" mode.
1/15
  • Frontal bone

    Forms the forehead and upper part of the eye sockets; protects the front of the brain.

  • Parietal bones

    Two bones forming the sides and roof of the cranial cavity; protect the upper sides of the brain.

  • Temporal bones

    Two bones located at the sides and base of the skull; house structures for hearing and balance.

  • Occipital bone

    Forms the back and base of the skull; contains the foramen magnum where the spinal cord passes through.

  • Sphenoid bone

    Located at the base of the skull in front of the temporals; helps form the floor of the cranium and supports the brain.

  • Ethmoid bone

    Located between the eyes; forms part of the nasal cavity and orbits, and supports the nose.

  • Maxillae

    Two bones forming the upper jaw and part of the eye sockets and nasal cavity; hold the upper teeth.

  • Zygomatic bones

    Two bones forming the cheekbones and part of the eye sockets.

  • Nasal bones

    Two bones forming the bridge of the nose.

  • Lacrimal bones

    Two small bones forming part of the inner eye socket; contain the tear ducts.

  • Palatine bones

    Two bones forming the back part of the hard palate and part of the nasal cavity and eye sockets.

  • Inferior nasal conchae

    Two bones forming part of the side walls of the nasal cavity.

  • Vomer

    Forms the lower part of the nasal septum.

  • Mandible

    The lower jawbone; the only movable bone of the skull, holds the lower teeth.

  • Key functions of the skull

    Protect the brain, support facial structure and features, enable chewing and speech, and house sensory organs (eyes, ears, nose).