The human skull is one of the most important structures in the body. It protects the brain, supports the face, and plays a key role in eating, speaking, and breathing. Understanding the skull is essential for competitive exams like SSC, RRB NTPC, UPSC, and state-level exams. Let’s break down its structure in a simple and easy-to-understand way!
Note: This topic is from the ‘Locomotion and Movement’ chapter 17 of Class IX NCERT.
What is the Skull?
The skull is a bony structure that forms the head. It is made up of 22 bones that are fused together, except for the lower jaw (mandible), which is movable.
Functions of the Skull
- Protects the brain from injuries
- Gives shape to the face
- Supports the eyes, nose, and mouth
- Helps in chewing and speaking
Parts of the Skull
The skull is divided into two main parts:
- Cranial Bones (protect the brain)
- Facial Bones (form the structure of the face)
1. Cranial Bones (8 Bones)
The cranial bones form the cranium, which houses and protects the brain. There are 8 cranial bones:
| Bone Name | Location | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Frontal Bone | Forehead | Forms the front part of the skull |
| Parietal Bones (2) | Top and sides of the skull | Protect the upper brain |
| Temporal Bones (2) | Sides of the skull, near ears | Supports the ear structure and helps in hearing |
| Occipital Bone | Back of the skull | Protects the back part of the brain |
| Sphenoid Bone | the Base of the skull | Connects different skull bones |
| Ethmoid Bone | Near the nose and eyes | Supports the nasal cavity and eye sockets |
2. Facial Bones (14 Bones)
Facial bones give shape to our face and help in important functions like chewing and breathing. There are 14 facial bones:
| Bone Name | Location | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Nasal Bones (2) | Bridge of the nose | Supports the nose structure |
| Maxilla (2) | Upper jaw | Holds upper teeth and forms part of the nose and eye sockets |
| Zygomatic Bones (2) | Cheekbones | Give shape to the cheeks |
| Mandible (1) | Lower jaw | Helps in chewing and speaking (only movable skull bone) |
| Lacrimal Bones (2) | Near the eyes | Supports the tear ducts |
| Palatine Bones (2) | The Back part of the roof of the mouth | Helps in forming the nasal and oral cavities |
| Inferior Nasal Conchae (2) | Inside the nose | Helps in airflow and filtering air |
| Vomer (1) | Center of the nasal cavity | Forms the lower part of the nasal septum |
Must-See! Human Skeletal System: Detailed Diagram, Key Parts, Vital Functions & Surprising Facts!
Important Features of the Skull
- Foramen Magnum – A large hole at the base of the skull where the spinal cord connects to the brain.
- Sutures – Joints that fuse skull bones together (e.g., coronal, sagittal, and lambdoid sutures).
- Orbit – The socket where the eye is placed.
- Sinuses – Air-filled spaces in the skull that reduce weight and help in voice resonance.
Interesting Facts About the Skull
- Babies have more bones (around 44) in their skull at birth, which later fuse into 22 bones as they grow.
- The skull has no moving joints, except for the mandible (lower jaw).
- The human skull is strong but lightweight, designed to protect the brain without being too heavy.
- Some birds and animals have a thicker skull to protect themselves from predators.
Conclusion
Understanding the anatomy of the human skull is important for both general knowledge and competitive exams. The skull is not just a protective structure but also plays a crucial role in speaking, breathing, and facial expressions.
Quick Revision Points
The skull has 22 bones (8 cranial + 14 facial)
The mandible is the only movable skull bone
Cranial bones protect the brain, and facial bones shape the face
The foramen magnum connects the brain to the spinal cord
Sutures are joints that fuse skull bones together
Keep studying and stay motivated! 
The more you learn, the better prepared you are for your exams. Happy learning! 
