The cranium (also known as neurocranium), is formed by the superior aspect of the skull. It encloses and protects the brain, meninges and cerebral vasculature.

Anatomically, the cranium can be subdivided into a roof (known as the calvarium), and a base.

The facial skeleton (also known as the viscerocranium) supports the soft tissues of the face. In essence, they determine our facial appearance.

It consists of 14 individual bones, which fuse to house the orbits of the eyes, nasal and oral cavities, as well as the sinuses.