Hovedskallet

Hovedskallet, also known as the cranium or braincase, is the part of the skull that encloses the brain. It is a complex bony structure composed of several fused bones, forming a protective case. In adults, the human hovedskallet typically consists of eight bones: the frontal bone, two parietal bones, two temporal bones, the occipital bone, the sphenoid bone, and the ethmoid bone. These bones are joined together by immovable joints called sutures.

The primary function of the hovedskallet is to safeguard the delicate brain from injury. Its rigid structure provides a strong barrier against external forces. Beyond protection, the hovedskallet also plays a role in anchoring muscles of the head and neck, and it houses sensory organs such as the eyes and ears within its structure. The development of the hovedskallet begins during embryonic development and continues through infancy and childhood, with the bones gradually fusing and ossifying. Fontanelles, which are soft spots on an infant's skull, are areas where the bones have not yet fully fused, allowing for brain growth and passage through the birth canal. The shape and size of the hovedskallet can vary between individuals and is influenced by genetics and environmental factors.