Question

Cranium of man is made up of (a) 8 bones (b) 12 bones (c) 16 bones (d) 14 bones

Short answer

The correct answer is (a) 8 bones.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the question

This exercise requires the knowledge of the basic human anatomy, particularly speaking, the number of bones that make up the human cranium. There are four options given.

Identifying the correct answer

According to basic human anatomy, the human skull is made up of 8 cranial bones. These bones include one frontal bone, two parietal bones, two temporal bones, one occipital bone, one sphenoid bone, and one ethmoid bone.

Key concepts

Number of Cranial Bones

When studying basic human anatomy, an essential aspect is the human cranium, which is part of the skull that encases the brain. The cranium is composed of 8 distinct bones. These are the frontal bone, two parietal bones, two temporal bones, the occipital bone, the sphenoid bone, and the ethmoid bone.

Each of these bones plays a critical role in protecting the brain and supporting facial structures. They are fused together by sutures, which are rigid, interlocking joints that mature and solidify as a person ages. It's important to realize that although there are only 8 cranial bones, they form a complex structure that provides multiple functions beyond protection, including the attachment for muscles that assist with head movements and facial expressions. Understanding the number and layout of these bones is a foundation for comprehending more intricate neuroanatomy and head physiology.

Human Skull Structure

The human skull is a complex structure that provides the framework for the head and face. It comprises two main parts: the cranium, which we know contains 8 bones, and the facial skeleton with 14 bones, making a total of 22 main bones. However, when we include the three tiny ossicles in each middle ear, the total count comes to 28.

The skull not only protects the brain but also supports the structures of the face and provides cavities for the eyes, nose, and mouth. The lower jawbone, or mandible, is the only movable bone of the skull. It's vital to note that the skull accommodates various foramina – holes that allow the passage of nerves and blood vessels. The careful study of the skull's structure is indispensable in fields like archaeology, forensic science, dentistry, and of course, medicine.

Basic Human Anatomy

Basic human anatomy covers the structure of the human body at both macroscopic and microscopic levels. It is critical for understanding how the body functions and how its various parts work together. In addition to bones, basic anatomy examines muscles, organs, the circulatory system, the nervous system, and more.

In the case of the cranial anatomy, it's part of the skeletal system which serves as the body's framework, protects vital organs, and works in concert with the muscular system to facilitate movement. Anatomy is fundamental in the medical field, but it's also important for artists, physical therapists, and any profession that requires a deep understanding of body structure and function. When learning about human anatomy, beginning with familiar structures like the skull can create a solid foundation that aids the comprehension of more complex systems within the body.