What is the cranium?

• A. The case that surrounds the brain as protection from knocks and bumps (skull)
• B. A bone of the face
• C. The outer layer of skin on the head
• D. The nerve network connected to the skull

Answer: (A)

The cranium is the skull—the bony case that surrounds and protects the brain from knocks and bumps. It forms the protective enclosure of the head and is made up of cranial bones that keep the brain safe while giving the head its shape. It’s not a bone of the face (facial bones make up the features like the cheekbones and jaw), nor is it the outer skin layer on the head (that’s the scalp), nor is it a nerve network (nerves run through the head, but the cranium itself is bone). In dental practice, knowing that the cranium is the protective skull helps you understand head anatomy and safety during procedures.