Skull

Definition: The skull consists of flat or irregular bones that underlie the skin of the head. There are eight cranial bones that protect the brain and 14 facial bones. The bones of the skull develop separately but fuse together as they mature. Serrated joints/sutures are only present in the skull. Skull thickness varies with age, with adults displaying greater skull thickness compared to infants and young children.

Alternative definition:

Synonym: cranium

References: L. Shaw. Anatomy and Physiology. Access to HE. Nelson Thornes, 2005.

Related terms: Hair, Scalp, Skin, Dura