The cranial fossa refers to the three depressions in the base of the skull that house the brain. These fossa are categorized into the anterior, middle, and posterior cranial fossa, each serving as a protective area for different parts of the brain. The anterior fossa supports the frontal lobes, the middle fossa accommodates the temporal lobes, and the posterior fossa contains the cerebellum and brainstem. Each cranial fossa is formed by specific bones of the skull, including the frontal, temporal, and occipital bones. Understanding the cranial fossa is essential in fields like anatomy and neurosurgery, as it helps in diagnosing and treating various neurological conditions.