Bones of the Skull

The skull is composed of bones of the cranium (neurocranium) and bones of the face (viscerocranium).

The bones of the cranium are joined together by sutures, to protect the organ contained within them - the brain.

Neurocranium

The neurocranium can be subdivided into a roof and a base.

The roof of the neurocranium is composed of:

1. One frontal bone

2. One occipital bone

3. Two parietal bones

The base of the neurocranium is composed of:

1. One frontal bone

2. One sphenoid bone

3. One ethmoid bone

4. One occipital bone

5. Two parietal bones

6. Two temporal bones

Viscerocranium

The viscerocranium is composed of:

1. One mandible bone (lower jaw)

2. One vomer bone

3. Two zygomatic bones

4. Two lacrimal bones

5. Two Inferior nasal conchae

6. Two Nasal bones

7. Two maxilla bones