The cranium, also known as the skull, is located in the head. It's the bony structure that encloses and protects the brain.
Understanding the Cranium's Location and Function
The cranium's primary role is to safeguard the brain, cerebellum, and brainstem. It's not just a protective shell; it also houses the crucial sensory organs for sight and sound. The cranium itself is composed of several bones, including both cranial bones surrounding the brain and facial bones forming the face's structure (eye sockets, nose, jaw, etc.). Importantly, the spinal cord connects to the brain through an opening at the base of the cranium.
Cranial Bone Composition
In infants, the skull consists of six separate bones held together by flexible sutures. These sutures allow for the skull's growth and expansion during development. In adults, these bones fuse, forming the solid structure we recognize as the skull. A key reference, Mount Sinai's health library, details the composition of an infant’s skull.
Cranial Nerves
The cranium is also closely associated with the 12 pairs of cranial nerves. These nerves transmit signals between the brain and various parts of the head, face, neck, and even the torso. For example, the hypoglossal nerve (CN XII), originating in the medulla, controls tongue muscles. Cleveland Clinic's detailed explanation provides more information about cranial nerves and their functions.
Cranial Meninges
Protecting the brain further are the meninges, three layers of membranes encasing both the brain and spinal cord. The cranial meninges specifically refer to the layers surrounding the brain within the cranium. You can learn more about the cranial meninges in the StatPearls article.
Cranial Morphometrics
Studies using cranial morphometrics—measurement of skull shapes and sizes—help researchers understand evolutionary relationships and genetic factors impacting skull structure. For example, one study used cranial morphometric data to analyze North American gray wolves.
