Neurocranium
The neurocranium is the upper part of the skull that encases and protects the brain. It consists of several bones, including the frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital, sphenoid, and ethmoid bones. These bones are fused together in adults, forming a rigid structure that safeguards the delicate tissues of the brain.
In addition to protecting the brain, the neurocranium also provides attachment points for the meninges, which are protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The neurocranium plays a crucial role in supporting the facial skeleton and maintaining the overall shape of the head.