HEAD

The head is the uppermost part of the body that contains the brain and the primary sensory organs. In humans it comprises the skull, the face, the scalp, and the associated soft tissues, and is connected to the neck. It houses the brain, enables vision, hearing, smell, and taste, and is involved in speech and expression.

The skull is divided into the cranium, which protects the brain, and the facial skeleton, which forms the face. The cranium consists of several bones joined by sutures. The scalp covers the skull and includes skin, connective tissue, and muscles. The meninges surround the brain and the cerebrospinal fluid cushions it within the cranial cavity.

The brain consists of the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem and controls movement, thought, sensation, and autonomic functions. The facial region contains sensory organs: the eyes for sight; the ears for hearing and balance; the nose for smell; and the tongue for taste. The mouth and teeth contribute to eating and speech.

Protection comes from the skull bones, meninges, and cerebrospinal fluid. The head receives blood via the carotid and vertebral arteries and drains through dural venous sinuses. Nerves that originate in the brain (cranial nerves) mediate sensation and motor control in the head and neck.

In infants, fontanelles are soft spots where skull bones have not yet fused. Head size and shape vary with age, sex, ancestry, and development. Head injuries and headaches are common medical concerns and may require evaluation.