Schädel

Schädel is a German word that translates to "skull" in English. It refers to the bony framework of the head found in vertebrates, particularly in humans and other mammals. The skull serves as a protective casing for the brain and houses the organs of sight, hearing, taste, and smell. It is composed of several fused bones that form a rigid structure, though some sutures may remain visible in younger individuals.

The human skull is typically divided into two main parts: the cranium and the facial skeleton. The cranium, also known as the braincase, encloses and protects the brain. It is formed by eight bones, including the frontal bone, two parietal bones, two temporal bones, the occipital bone, the sphenoid bone, and the ethmoid bone. The facial skeleton, or viscerocranium, forms the structure of the face and includes bones such as the mandible (lower jaw), maxilla (upper jaw), zygomatic bones (cheekbones), nasal bones, and lacrimal bones.

The shape and structure of the skull can vary significantly between species, reflecting evolutionary adaptations and functional requirements. For instance, the relative size of the braincase compared to the facial bones can indicate the prominence of the brain. Forensic anthropology often studies skulls to determine age, sex, ancestry, and potential causes of death from skeletal remains. In archaeology and paleontology, skulls are crucial for understanding the anatomy and evolution of extinct hominins and other animals.