Hoðuðkúpubeinin

Hoðuðkúpubeinin is the Icelandic term for the bones of the skull. The human skull is a complex bony structure that protects the brain and supports the facial features. It is composed of several fused bones that form two main parts: the cranium and the mandible. The cranium, also known as the braincase, encloses and protects the brain. It is made up 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 facial skeleton, or viscerocranium, forms the structure of the face. It includes the mandible (lower jawbone), maxilla (upper jawbone), zygomatic bones (cheekbones), nasal bones, lacrimal bones, palatine bones, inferior nasal conchae, and the vomer. The mandible is the only movable bone in the skull, allowing for chewing and speech. Together, these bones provide a framework for the face, anchor the teeth, and form the cavities for the eyes, nose, and mouth. The skull also plays a crucial role in sensory input, housing organs like the eyes, ears, and olfactory receptors. Its intricate design is essential for both protection and function.