It houses the brain and, except where the brain and spinal cord are continuous at the foramen magnum, the cranial cavity is completely closed. The cranial cavity is the fifth, and largest cavity. The skull possesses five large cavities - four of which, the paired nasal cavities and the paired orbits, open to the exterior and are part of the facial skeleton. It is easiest to learn the anatomy of the skull by learning the anatomy of the cranium first, followed by learning the anatomy of the facial skeleton and the foramina of the skull. These highlights should start you well on your way towards understanding the anatomy of the skull.

It is impossible to discuss the entire anatomy of the skull in the space allowed, so let me introduce you to some of the anatomical highlights.

It was through his teaching that I came to realize that one needed to start with a firm understanding of the skull in order to completely understand the soft tissues of the head. Langebartel, and amazing dissector and teacher. My first gross anatomy class at the University of Wisconsin-Madison was taught by Dr. By Robert Tallitsch, PhD | September 15, 2021īlog and video explanation of the bones and sutures of the cranium and craniosynostosis with symptoms, causes, treatments and a patient case example!

Skull structure download